United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

  The W.R. Grace Site is located in Wilder, Campbell County, Kentucky.  W.R. Grace ("Grace") owned and operated a vermiculite ore processing facility at 112 North St. from 1960 until the mid-1990's.  Residues from the processing operation were disposed of on the Grace property and an adjoining tract as fill material.  The vermiculite ore and the residues contain actinolite and tremolite asbestos fibers.

In April 2003, EPA initiated a time critical removal action at the site, at the request of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KYDEP). The scope of work involves removal and off-site disposal of up to 40,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated soil, and the decontamination of two buildings formerly used in the vermiculite manufacturing operations.

Decontamination of the warehouse building was completed.   Decon activities in the former manufacturing building began on 1/16/04.  Activities consisted of dry decon (HEPA vac system) in the areas currently used as office space and the mezzanine level above the offices.  Wet decon (pressure washing) is being performed in the remainder of the building.  To date, dry decon activities have been completed in the former manufacturing building, and the wet decon work is about 50 % complete.

Analysis of air samples taken in the mezzanine level while decon work was being conducted shows highest asbestos concentrations recorded to date.  Although this area now appears clean by visual observation, additional sampling will be required to confirm the absence of asbestos contamination.

Begin onsite treatment of wastewater generated through wet decon operations.

1.  Sub-freezing weather conditions are periodically affecting site operations.  Work output slows considerably and equipment breakdowns occur under these conditions.
2.  Use of internal combustion engines for manlifts and propane heaters inside the buildings are causing an increase in carbon monoxide (CO) levels.  Air-purifying respirators designed to filter asbestos fibers provide no protection for CO.  Concentrations are being monitored daily to determine if time-weighted averages (TWA) for asbestos are beiong exceeded.  To date, no exceedances have been recorded.