At 1656 EST on 18 March 2008, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) notified the National Response Center (NRC#865386) of a discharge of materials from multiple containers at a former metal plating facility in Malakoff, Henderson County, Texas. TCEQ representatives stated that the site was previously operated by BBB Bumper Manufacturing and has been out of operation for at least eight years. The site is located near downtown Malakoff, adjacent to a retail shopping center and a church.
On 9 April 2009, EPA START-3 contractors arrived on-site due to concern raised by the Malakoff Fire Marshall that the contents inside the building pose an immediate threat to human health. START-3 met with the Fire Marshall and performed a visual inspection of the site. START-3 observed that part of the front wall of the building had fallen in and some of the drums inside were visible through the missing section of the wall. START-3 entered the building and observed items and debris that indicated vagrants had entered the building. The content levels of the vats were consistent with the previous levels observed during the initial removal assessment. START-3 did not observe evidence of an ongoing release from the vats or other containers inside the building. START-3 took the pH of the standing liquid on the floor of the building and determined the pH was 7. Air monitoring was conducted both inside of the building and at the site perimeter with no readings observed above background levels.
EPA will coordinate with state and local officials to determine any further response and possible removal actions.
Proximity of the site to residential and commercial areas may constitute a hazard to the public. Poor site conditions may result in offsite impacts by hazardous materials present onsite. Lack of security and ease of access to the site may present a hazard. Local merchants reported seeing children entering the building.
|
