See previous POLREPS for Site description information and a summary of the removal site evaluation (characterization) conducted to date.
Following the discovery of Buried Tank #4 during removal site evaluation activities in November 2008, EPA oversaw sampling of the tank contents and directed the removal of the waste materials. The material in the tank was found to contain high concentrations of benzene, toluene, xylene, phenol, naphthalene, and numerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds.
Evaluation of the analytical data and Site observations indicate that the sandblasting grit which contains lead and PAH contaminants has migrated onto the adjacent railroad right of way.
The Site is currently used by numerous businesses that use the Site for storage of equipment and materials.
In March 2009, EPA initiated removal of Buried Tank #4 and its contents. During the week of March 2, 2009, contaminated soil adjacent to the buried tank was sampled to evaluate just how to transport and dispose of the wastes. Security fencing and removal equipment were then mobilized to the site. During the week of March 9, 2009, the majority of the tank contents were liquefied using steam, xylene, and a propriety agent. The liquified mass was then pumped from the buried tank to a temporary holding tank. During the week of March 16, 2009, liquefied contents from the tank were transported off site for disposal and the remaining sludge material was solidified and boxed for off site disposal. During the week of March 23, 2009, the buried tank car was removed from the ground and visually contaminated soil immediately adjacent to the buried tank was excavated. Transport and off site disposal of the contaminated soil and backfilling of the excavated area with clean fill was also initiated during the week of March 23.
EPA has initiated discussions with SEPTA to gain access to the railroad right of way in order to continue the characterization of the contamination at the Site.
EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are now coordinating to determine the next actions to occur at the Site and which organization will direct or conduct these actions. EPA and DEP also initiated coordination with Springfield Township officials.
Removal activities will continue at the site through the week of March 30, 2009. Planned activities include backfilling of the excavated area and transport and disposal of remaining contaminated soil, the boxed solid contents from the tank, and the removed tank. Finally, drummed wastes remaining at the Site will also be disposed.
No further EPA-directed removal actions are currently planned. EPA is however, evaluating the need for additional removal actions pending final review of available analytical data and consultation with DEP and technical evaluators.
Additional assessment of sandblasting waste material deposited at the site, including upon the SEPTA railroad right of way, is planned for April 2009.
Additional ground water monitoring wells are also planned for the Site.
EPA and DEP are evaluating the next actions for this Site.
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