United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV
POLLUTION REPORT



Date:
Thursday, August 31, 2006
From:
Steve Spurlin

Subject: 

First & Final Polrep
Erachem Comilog H2SO4 Spill
735 Foote Lane, New Johnsonville, TN
Latitude: 35.9958000
Longitude: -87.9650000


POLREP No.:
1
Site #:
Reporting Period:
8/25-8/31/06
D.O. #:
Start Date:
 
Response Authority:
CERCLA
Mob Date:
8/25/2006
Response Type:
Emergency
Demob Date:
8/25/2006
NPL Status:
Non NPL
Completion Date:
 
Incident Category:
Removal Action
CERCLIS ID #:
Contract #
RCRIS ID #:
 

Site Description

On 8/24/06, EPA was notified via NRC report # 809003 of an estimated 3556 gallon sulfuric acid spill at the Erachem Comilog Facility located at 735 Foote Lane, New Johnsonville, Humphries Co., TN. The spill resulted from a failed seal on a transfer pump.  The company discovered the release on 8/21/06, but did not report the incident until making a volume calculation on 8/24.  The acid spilled into a lined containment area;however, the floor of the containment failed and an unknown quantity of acid escaped containment.


Current Activities

OSC Spurlin was dispatched on 8/25/06, and arrived on-site at 0930hrs.  The OSC met with facility reps and viewed the spill area.  The containment area was in poor condition from exposure to past acid releases.  A hole of 6-8" was observed through the concrete floor near the sump area.  Facility reps indicated a large quantity of the material drained through the hole.  

OSC Spurlin directed the facility to hire a cleanup contractor to remove the remaining waste residue in the containment, provide a temporary patch for the hole, and investigate where the acid may be located in the subgrade.  EraChem hired 1st Response Inc., who mobilized 8/25 and initiated cleanout of containment.  Cleanout was completed on 8/25, and concrete was poured over the hole as a temporary measure to prevent subsequent releases.

While on-scene, OSC Spurlin contacted TDEC's Solid & Haz. Waste program (Mr. Ed Cox, Mr. Roger Donovon) to ensure they were aware of the release at a regulated facility.  Mr. Daniel Roop of TDEC conducted a site visit on 8/28/06. OSC Spurlin demobed from the site on 8/25/06.


Planned Removal Actions

OSC Spurlin received an update from the facility on 8/29. The facility had discovered that the acid had traveled to a nearby former sanitary sewer line and flowed to a 4' by 12' sump at the former sanitary treatment operation on site.  The facility was flushing the pipe and pumping the acid to their on-site water treatment system for neutralization.


Next Steps

The TDEC will take the lead on further investigation and remediation efforts at the facility.

While on-site, OSC Spurlin conducted an SPCC inspection.  The inspection information has been forwarded to Atlanta for follow-up.


response.epa.gov/erachem