On 16-JUN-05, OSC Stilman mobilized to the Broken Sound Anthrax Site to conduct a removal site evaluation, based on a request from the Palm Beach County Health Department (PBCHD). On 12 June 2005, the PBCHD contacted EPA regarding flooding in the basement of 5401 Broken Sound Blvd. In October of 2001, 5401 Broken Sound Blvd. (former AMI Building) received a package or letter contaminated with bacillus anthracis (Ba). Sampling by EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and the building owner’s contractor found Ba throughout. In July of 2004, the building owner’s contractor decontaminated the three top floors using chlorine dioxide (ClO2). Before decontamination, papers, photos and other office supplies were boxed, placed on pallets and moved to the parking garage. Approximately 600 pallets of this material, presumed to be contaminated with Ba, were originally placed in the parking garage. The parking garage is partially above ground and open to the air. In May of 2005, the building owner’s contractor began transporting the palletized material to an auto-clave for treatment. On 30-May-05, operations were halted due to a contract dispute. Between 01-JUN-05 and 15-JUN-05, the owner attempted to stabilize the contaminated boxes and prevent flood waters from contacted the boxes. On 15-JUN-05, the PBCHD found operations on site being conducted in an unsafe manner and halted all work. On 16-JUN-05, OSC Stilman mobilized to the Site and met with the PBCHD. On 17-JUN-05, the PBCHD and Florida Department of Health, by letter, formally requested EPA assistance with potential releases of Ba from the Site. There are approximately 480 pallets with 6,000 boxes of material presumed to be contaminated with Ba left.
A June 30, 2005, Action Memorandum authorizes continued stabilization. Stabilization includes operation of the groundwater dewatering pumps to ensure that the parking garage does not flood until the building owner mobilizes a qualified contractor to assume this responsibility. EPA will also continue to provide technical assistance to the PBCHD.
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