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Excavation of contaminated soils continued in excavation areas #1 through #3. A depth of approximately 1 to 5 feet have been removed from each 25 foot square grid. Maps can be found online in the 'documents' section of this web site. The maps are labeled 'Primary and Secondary Excavation Maps.'
Transportation and disposal activities along with inclement weather limited excavation activities during this reporting period. As of December 15, 2006 EPA has excavated and stockpiled approximately 2,700 cubic yards of soil for further analysis and waste characterization. To date, EPA has removed approximately 1,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil for off site transportation and disposal. Approximately, 57% of Area #1, 9% of Area #2, 64% of Area #3, and 4% of Area #4 have been confirmed by soil analysis to be below Texas Risk Reduction Program levels for commercial / industrial levels for all contaminants of concern.
Excavated soils are being stockpiled on Site for further analysis and waste characterization. A plastic sheathing is being used to cover all stockpiles and excavated holes on Site to minimize offsite migration of odors, dust, and the potential for contaminated storm water runoff. A frac tank has been mobilized on Site and will be used for containment and water quality sampling of any potentially contaminated storm water.
A network of air monitoring and air sampling devices have been deployed during evening and night hours in the neighboring community around the Site to ensure air quality standards are met. All data will be made available to the public immediately after a through laboratory analysis is completed. Air monitoring and sampling is also being conducted at excavation and stockpile areas on Site to ensure air quality standards are met.
On December 12, 2006, a composite soil sample was collected below the former concrete sump and submitted for analysis of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and pesticides.
On December 13, 2006, an underground concrete pipe containing a thick, black, oil-like material with a light hydrocarbon odor was discovered on-site during soil excavation in Area 2. The inactive concrete pipe was situated at a depth of approximately 3 to 4 feet below the ground surface and ran from the site south underneath West 6th Street. EPA contractors removed any contaminated soil and capped the pipe at the site perimeter. A sample of the thick, black, oil-like material was collected and submitted for analysis of TPH, Target Compound List (TCL) volatile organic compounds (VOC), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), Target Analyte List (TAL) metals, and pesticides. Further investigation of this concrete pipe is ongoing.
To date, a total of 634 air samples particulate and gaseous phase air samples, 42 composite soil samples, 2 sludge/sediment, and 2 water samples have been submitted to a fixed laboratory for analysis. All pesticide particulate and vapors levels on-site and in the surrounding community have been below the site-specific action levels.
An EPA community office trailer is available on Site. A map which will have updated daily information on particulate air monitoring data is being posted next to the entrance of the office trailer for the public to stop by and view. This information will also be available in hard copy and electronic format. The office is open to allow community members an opportunity to speak with an EPA representative in person about any questions or concerns they may have about ongoing Site activities. This office has up to date and current information available in both English and Spanish.
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