United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region X
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

CAPC is a medium sized commercial metal plating facility that performs several kinds or electroplating.  Historically the site has been used for plating operations with zinc, nickel, copper, chromium, silver, gold, tin, and cadmium.  Although processes varied from one metal to another, their general process involved pre-cleaning with caustic solution or solvent, acid pickling (which eliminated scales remaining after cleaning), metal plating, and often a final chromate dip to protect plated surfaces.  Zinc plating is currently the primary process at the site.  The facility employed approximately 13 people.

The primary concern at this Site was the threat of fire and explosion.  The secondary concern is the threat posed by CERCLA hazardous substances and pollutant or contaminants releasing from abandoned drums, Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST's) and process area vats.  Drums and containers onsite will continue to deteriorate over time.  As a result, the potential of solvents, acids, bases, oil, and toxic chemicals to be released to the environment is high.

See initial Polrep for further background information.

Wednesday, June 4, 2003

EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (1), START (4), and ERRS (7) members on site.  Pumping operations began on the Baker tanks today.  A total of 8388 gals of Electroless Nickel was pumped off form the tanks.  ERRS also worked on consolidation of all 5-gal containers with the exception of the Base Oxidizers as well as consolidation of the 55-gal drums into the now empty Baker tanks.    Meanwhile, START gathered their composite samples from the vats using the bulking sequence that ERRS generated.  They also prepared the samples to be sent out for analysis that were set-aside during HAZCATing.  The lab analysis is to used verify START’s HAZCAT results.


Thursday, June 5, 2003

EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (1), START (4), and ERRS (6) members on site.  Pumping of sulfuric/hydrochloric acid vats began today.  A total of 6902 gals was pumped to two separate vacuum trucks and sent off for disposal. At the same time START conducted air monitoring of the scrubbing system to ensure that no hazardous vapors were escaping into the atmosphere.  Once pumping operations were completed, ERRS worked on consolidating drums into the Baker tank.  They completed consolidation of forty-three 55-gal drums into the Baker tank.

Friday, June 6, 2003

EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (1), START (4), and ERRS (6) members on site.   Pumping of the sulfuric/hydrochloric acids continued as well as pumping of hexavalent chrome wastewater.  A total of 4100 gals of sulfuric/hydrochloric acid and 4945 gals of hexavalent chrome wastewater were pumped off.  Change-out of roll-off bins was conducted, one roll-off bin was sent for hazardous waste disposal, while two empty bins were staged for use.  Personnel from both START and ERRS then conducted a site clean up to gather all waste that has been generated by the clean up.

Where appropriate, ERRS will continue bulking hazardous waste by waste stream and remove via vacuum truck, baker tank, or drums, for proper disposal.  They will also work on the bulking sequence for the vats for the upcoming pumping operation.  Vacuum truck operations could proceed as early as Tuesday morning.  START will continue staging and HAZCATing unknown drums and containers as well as manage on site water accumulation.  As time allows, ERRS will continue removing contaminated debris, characterize sludges and liquids beneath vats in plating room as well as remove all sludges and liquids from floor and wastewater treatment unit.