United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region V
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

Please refer to PolRep numbers 38 or 39 for details.

During the current reporting period, excavation of asbestos impacted soil was completed in portions of grid numbers 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 62 and 63.  Sampling, backfill, and restoration activities were completed in portions of the grid numbers listed above.  See Images Section for updated site photos, and to the Documents Section for an updated progress map.

From 9 September to 22 September 2006, 123 truckloads of contaminated soil were transported to the Veolia Environmental Services landfill facility, formally known as Onyx FCR Landfill in Buffalo, MN.  

Air monitoring and dust control measures continue.  

As of 25 September 2006, a total of 464 air samples were collected and analyzed for asbestos using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).  A total of seven additional air samples are awaiting analytical results and three are awaiting shipment.  Air sampling results are compared to the project-specific air quality concentration objective (AQO) of 0.001 S/cc.  47 air samples reported concentrations above the AQO with a maximum of 0.008 S/cc.  26 of the above-mentioned air samples, collected between 13 June 2005 and 16 June 2005, were analyzed with an increased analytical sensitivity and reporting quantities were above the AQO.  Following that period, the analytical sensitivity has been decreased.  Since then, 21 air samples reported concentrations above the AQO with a maximum result of 0.004 S/cc.  Asbestos concentrations in all remaining 417 air samples reported concentrations equal to or below the AQO.  

Through 25 September 2006, 230 soil samples were analyzed for asbestos using either phase light microscopy (PLM) or TEM, and compared to the project-specific percentage action level (AL) of 1%.  Analytical results for 44 additional soil samples have not been received.  Of the soil samples analyzed, 16 were reported above the AL percentage with a maximum range of 15-20%, 33 soil samples reported asbestos percentages below the AL, and the remaining 181 soil samples were reported as non-detect.  
Air and soil samples collected are submitted to STAT Analytical Corp. in Chicago, IL.  PLM analysis reports non-specific fiber counts while TEM analysis reports the specific asbestos fiber identified in the soil sample.  The sample ratio of PLM to TEM is 4 to 1.

Continue excavation activities of asbestos impacted soil, off site disposal of excavated soil, and backfill and restoration of excavated areas.  It is expected these activities will continue through mid-October 2006.

Continue with the planned removal actions.  Continue working with the Minneapolis Park Board to secure the services of a landscaping company to replace vegetation removed and or damaged during the removal action.  Upon completion of the removal and the restoration work, re-open the Park to the public.

Get the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to secure the services of a landscaping company to complete the reforestation of the Park.