United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region VI
POLLUTION REPORT


Date:
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
From:
William Rhotenberry


Subject: 

Initiation of Emergency Removal Action
Helena Chemical
602 Holland Avenue, Mission, TX
Latitude: 26.2131000
Longitude: -98.3336000


POLREP No.:
11
Site #:
0606
Reporting Period:
2/07-13/2006
D.O. #:
Start Date:
2/9/2006
Response Authority:
CERCLA
Mob Date:
2/13/2006
Response Type:
Emergency
Demob Date:
 
NPL Status:
Non NPL
Completion Date:
 
Incident Category:
Removal Action
CERCLIS ID #:
TXD980625008
Contract #
RCRIS ID #:
 

Site Description

This site in Mission, TX 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 exposure to chlorinated pesticides.

Contamination of surrounding properties was addressed by previous TCEQ actions.


Current Activities

During the February 7, 2006 site walk, OSC Harris noted a well-used skateboard ramp, increased graffiti across all site buildings, evidence of heavy vehicle traffic on the capped area and accelerated deterioration of the southern portion of the cap in the areas of vehicle traffic.  From the August assessment, it is known that the bulk of the detected pesticides are found within three feet of the surface.  These factors indicated to OSC Harris that persons and vehicles are frequently and freely entering the site, increasing the failure rate of the cap and potentially being exposed to the chlorinated pesticides within the affected areas.

On Friday February 9, 2006 OSC Harris made a determination that a threat to public health or welfare has developed at this site that requires the initiation of an emergency removal action.  The property owner is unable to construct the necessary fence, but consented to EPA doing so.  An emergency Task Order was issued, and OSC Harris met with the ERRS contractor and City of Mission representatives at the site on Monday February 13, 2006 to scope and verify the fence construction and location.  Installation will begin immediately following HAZWOPER training for the fencing company employees.

ERRS contract firms are developing comprehensive work plans, time lines and cost estimates for the anticipated removal action.


Planned Removal Actions

Cleanup standards will reflect the future commercial land use as confirmed by the current landowner and the City of Mission.


Next Steps

Patching and fence installation

Review workplans from ERRS contractors

Complete the Action Memo


Key Issues

Access to site will be restricted by fencing.  This will prevent trespass and potential direct exposure to the public.

Continued cap deterioration is evident in areas affected by vehicle traffic.  Patching and fencing will control this until removal.


response.epa.gov/helenachemicalmission