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On Monday, July 31st, ERRS (WRS Inc.) continued demolition operations by taking down the 65 foot conical urea tower and support structure on site. The majority of the tower was constructed of thin sheet metal and was found to contain approximately six cubic yards of residual urea which was staged for future disposal. Errs also continued asbestos abatement activities of asbestos remaining on pipes thoughout the remaining structure.
During August, Errs began preparing the concrete floor of the main reactor building to serve as a staging pad for over 800 hazardous waste drums accumulated on site. This effort included demolition of the east and northern walls of the structure as well as concrete pads north of the structure. During demolition activities, several underground pipes running from the tank farm area to the main reactor building were uncovered and isolated for disposal. On August 22nd, after the main building concrete pad was prepared, Errs began staging and segregating drums on the warehouse pad by waste stream.
In an effort to minimize potentially contaminated run off from impacting Hunting Creek, Errs continue to collect and treat site stormwater. During heavy rainfall events, the site accumulates approximately 20,000 gallons of runoff per inch of rain. On August 11th through August 13th for example, 80,000 gallons of storm water was collected during a major rain event and eventually treated on site.
START contractors continue to assist with asbestos air sampling, haz-catting of unknown drums and materials and sampling plan support. USCG Strike Team continues to monitor general site activities with emphasis on contractor safety. Working conditions during August were extremely hot with temperatures approaching 100 F, so emphasis is placed on staying hydrated.
The OSC and Errs disposal coordinator also finalized plans for three chemical companies to pick up 128 raw material drums which were not damaged from the initial fire and explosion. The majority of the drums were styrene and butyl acrylate monomer.
The OSC continues to coordinate efforts with local Synthron management. The facility still contains assets which have residual value for the company.
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