United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region VI
POLLUTION REPORT


Date:
Thursday, February 9, 2006
From:
William Rhotenberry


Subject: 

Assessment Summary and ERRS Site Walk
Helena Chemical
602 Holland Avenue, Mission, TX
Latitude: 26.2131000
Longitude: -98.3336000


POLREP No.:
10
Site #:
0606
Reporting Period:
2/7/2006
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

The August assessment found numerous chlorinated pesticides, dieldrin and toxaphene being the most prevalent.  Based on commercial/industrial standards, nearly all of the contaminated material is found at 0-3 feet beneath the existing cap or building floors.  The affected area includes approximately the southern half of the site, and extends under all of the site buildings and the ASTs.  On Thursday January 26, 2006 EPA hosted a public meeting in Mission to discuss these findings and answer questions.  Approximately 400 attended.

On Tuesday February 7, 2006 OSC Harris conducted a site walk with representatives from both ERRS contract firms.  They will develop competitive work plans, time lines and cost estimates for the anticipated removal action.  The City of Mission had representatives onsite to answer questions regarding utilities, traffic management, local ordinances etc.  Examination of the cap during the site walk revealed continued deterioration, and the City of Mission has formally requested that EPA fence or otherwise restrict access by the public.  Options are under review, and EPA is discussing the matter with the property owner for rapid resolution.


Planned Removal Actions

The action proposed for this site is demolition of the buildings and complete removal of debris and contaminated soil.  Cleanup standards will reflect the future commercial land use as confirmed by the City of Mission.  An Action Memo is being drafted to initiate this action.


Next Steps

Develop work plan

Complete the Action Memo


Key Issues

Discussions between property owner, EPA and City of Mission to secure access for demolition and removal.

Consider fencing the site to prevent trespass and potential direct exposure to the public.

Continued cap deterioration is evident.


response.epa.gov/helenachemicalmission