United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region VI
POLLUTION REPORT


Date:
Thursday, August 25, 2005
From:
William Rhotenberry


Subject: 

Source of Odor Identified
Helena Chemical
602 Holland Avenue, Mission, TX
Latitude: 26.2131000
Longitude: -98.3336000


POLREP No.:
6
Site #:
0606
Reporting Period:
08/25/2005
D.O. #:
Start Date:
 
Response Authority:
CERCLA
Mob Date:
7/12/2005
Response Type:
Demob Date:
 
NPL Status:
Non NPL
Completion Date:
 
Incident Category:
Removal Assessment
CERCLIS ID #:
TXD980625008
Contract #
RCRIS ID #:
 

Site Description

This site is a former pesticide formulation and packaging facility, and was the subject of corrective action by USEPA in 1982.  Deterioration of the containment cap has raised concerns over potential health impacts from chlorinated pesticides.

Contamination of surrounding properties was addressed by previous TCEQ actions.


Current Activities

Geoprobe work is complete.

Wipe sampling will be completed tomorrow (Friday).

Concerns have been raised that odors noted in the vicinity of the ASTs (south side of the facility) might be attributed to pesticides.  In consultation with a Texas Certified Nursery Professional and the University of Texas Pan American, we determined the source to be a plant (Twining Milkweed or Sarcostemma cynanchoides) that has overgrown that area.  When heated, driven over, walked on, or otherwise damaged, it emits a foul garlic/onion odor.  None of the assessment team has noticed any odors that could be attributed to pesticides.


Planned Removal Actions

As appropriate following assessment


Next Steps

Complete wipe sampling

Demobe

Await sample results

Debrief City officials


Key Issues

Heat


response.epa.gov/helenachemicalmission