United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

The ESB Site consists of the former ESB battery manufacturing facility and the approximately 17 private residential properties immediately surrounding the facility.  There are two removal actions underway.  The facility is conducting an enforcement-lead action within the facility grounds and EPA is conducting a fund-lead removal action at the private residential properties.  The contaminant of concern is lead.  The residential properties have lead contaminated soil from stack deposition that occurred during the facility operational history.  

This week OSC Jardine and START member Rutledge acquired access for several properties and began collecting soil samples for use in waste profiling.  The profiling is critical to conducting a smooth removal action as there is no lay down area for excavated soil.  Therefore, EPA must complete a hazardous waste determination for each excavation area prior to mobilization of the ERRS crew.

OSC Jardine reconnoitered the Site with ERRS PM Hollingsworth of CMC to develop Site removal strategies.

Also this week CIC Stephanie Brown renewed community involvement activity.  This activity is appropriate as the Site has remained somewhat dormant during the last six months due to EPAs response to Hurricane Katrina.

Continue to gain access to those lots where the property has changed ownership.  Continue to collect samples for TCLP analysis and waste profiling.

After at least 50% of the properties have been waste profiled, mobilize the ERRS contractor.

Gaining Site access is difficult as these properties are part of a redevelopment plan upgrading the community property value.  Several owners do not live at the residences but rather own the property as an investment.