United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region V
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

The detailed site description can be found in POLREP #1.

On May 3 and 4, 2008, START inspected cubic yard boxes and totes stored on outside containment for leakage.  All containers were determined to be intact.  Site security present 24-hours through weekend.

On May 5, 2008, Area-RAE and pDR instruments were calibrated and setup at 4 different site locations for indoor and perimeter air monitoring.  All readings for Area-RAE monitoring, including H2S, HCN, VOC and LEL  were below Action Levels.  O2 levels were between 20.8% and 21.0%.  pDR dust concentrations were below nuisance levels for all locations.  

Bulking of base solids recovered from large volume vats into 2 cubic yard boxes was completed.  Empty vats were cut into three-foot by three-foot pieces required for disposal.  A total of ten 55-gallon drums of cyanide solid waste and four 55-gallon drums of acid solid waste are consolidated.  Security was on site from 1730-0700 the following day.

On May 6, 2008, Area-RAE and pDR instruments were calibrated and setup at 4 different site locations for indoor and perimeter air monitoring.  All readings for Area-RAE monitoring, including H2S, HCN, VOC and LEL were below Action Levels.  O2 levels were between 20.8% and 21.0%.  pDR dust concentrations were below nuisance levels for all locations.  

Base solids were consolidated for expedient transfer to roll-off box.  Vats and drums continued to be cut apart inside the facility. Sixty percent of wood floor from Main Plating room was removed for disposal.  Security was on site from 1730-0700 the following day.

On May 7, 2008, Area-RAE and pDR instruments were calibrated and setup at 4 different site locations for indoor and perimeter air monitoring.  All readings for Area-RAE monitoring, including H2S, HCN, VOC, and LEL were below Action Levels.  O2 levels were between 20.8% and 21.0%.  pDR dust concentrations were below nuisance levels for all locations.  A Multi-RAE PID meter was used for CO monitoring in the Exclusion Zone (EZ).  Proper ventilation allowed for use of a gas-powered saw to dismantle vats for disposal.  Vats and drums were cut into three-foot by three-foot sections for disposal.  Wood floor in the Main Plating Room was 100% removed.  Security was on site from 1730-0700 the following day.

On May 8, 2008, Area-RAE and pDR instruments were calibrated and setup at 4 different site locations for indoor and perimeter air monitoring.  All readings for Area-RAE monitoring, including H2S, HCN, VOC, and LEL were below Action Levels.  O2 levels were between 20.8% and 21.0%.  pDR dust concentrations were below nuisance levels for all locations.  A Multi-RAE PID meter was used for CO monitoring in the Exclusion Zone.  Proper ventilation allowed for use of a gas-powered saw to dismantle vats for disposal.  Vats and drums continued to be cut into three-foot by three-foot sections for disposal.  Security was on-site from 1730-0700 the following day.

On May 9, 2008, Area-RAE and pDR instruments were calibrated and setup at 4 different site locations for indoor and perimeter air monitoring.  All readings for Area-RAE monitoring, including H2S, HCN, VOC and LEL were below Action Levels.  O2 levels were between 20.8% and 21.0%.  pDR dust concentrations were below nuisance levels for all locations.  A Multi-RAE PID meter was used for CO monitoring in the Exclusion Zone.  Proper ventilation allowed for use of a gas-powered saw to dismantle vats for disposal.  Vats and drums continued to be cut into three-foot by three-foot sections for disposal.  Security was on-site from 1730 May 9 until 0700 May 12.

•Containerize 1,000 gallons of cyanide solid waste.
•Safely remove waste from building using overpack drums, cubic yard boxes and totes.
•Transfer hazardous liquids from facility using pumps and a tanker truck.
•Maintain air monitoring during all indoor and outdoor activities.
•Remove cut vats, wood floor, and drums from facility for disposal in hazardous waste roll-off boxes.

•Procure contractor to complete lab-packing of 106 identified containers.
•Profile waste streams for disposal.
•Deliver roll-off container for non-hazardous waste debris.

•Maintain site security during non-working hours.
•Ensure safe waste transfers using proper techniques due to close public proximity.
•Keep outdoor containers on containment pad and wrapped in poly sheeting to maintain vessel integrity.