Norphlet Chemical Company (NCC) is located outside El Dorado, AR at the former location of the Macmillan Oil Refinery. NCC is a chemical manufacturing facility specializing in producing refrigerant (R134A) used in automobiles. It was reported that NCC is storing hydrofluoric acid in an unsafe manner that may lead to a HF release from the plant. The plant is located next to the Norphlet Elementary and High school. Union County Judge Bobby Edmonds declared an emergency 17 April 2009 . Because of the emergency order and the close proximity of the to the plant, the school was closed.
EPA and START arrived on April 17 and began perimeter air monitoring. EPA is coordinating closely with the local authorities, ADEQ, ADEM, and DHS. EPA contacted the ERRS contractor to begin planning for the removal of the HF/TCE waste mixture.
On 18 April 2009, EPA continued to prepare to transfer material from the tanks.
There are 5 tanks of concern that are being addressed in the EPA contingency plan and coordination with the local and state officials. However, only 3 tanks ( Tank TT10,11, and 13) will be involved in the transfer:
o Tank TT10 (13,800 gallon capacity) - 13,000 gallons of a liquid mixture; 75% HF and 25% freon
o Tank TT11 (13,800 gallon capacity) - 11,000 gallons of a liquid mixture; 4% HF and 96% freon
o Tank TT13 (11,550 gallon capacity) - 2,000 gallons of a HF and 4500 pounds of NaCl mixture
o Tank TT02 (18,213 gallon capacity): TCE residual, may have trace amount of HF but this is unknown at this time
o Tank TT01 (42,000 gallon capacity): 7,800 gallon of 98% HF
The ERRS contractor mobilized an IH to be an on-site safety officer, procured four 5,000-gallon tanker trucks in preparation for the HF/TCE mixture transfer, reviewed the tanks valves/piping and procured piping, valves, and supplies in preparation for the HF/TCE mixture transfer, and developed HF/TCE mixture transfer protocols and H&S procedures.
START mobilized an HF technical expert as well as sampling and monitoring equipment. START developed safety and contingency plans, and developed plume model scenarios in preparation for the material transfer.
EPA, START, and ERRS met with Judge Edmonds, county and city officials, and representatives from the sheriff and fire departments, to outline the proposed operations at the site.
Heavy thunderstorms moved through the area, postponing transfer activities until April 19.
EPA plans to begin transferring material from the unstable tank TT-11 into tanker trucks. This transfer is anticipated to begin approximately 1000. Weather conditions are predicted to be favorable, with no residents within a mile downwind of the tanks. START will be conducting air monitoring and sampling during the transfer process. The sheriff will be informing residents 2-3 miles downwind beginning at 0700 hours.
START-3 will continue to conduct air monitoring.
We are awaiting the delivery of additional specialized tanker trucks prior to initiating transfer of TT-10, TT-13. Additional arrangements are being made for the other tankage.
EPA will continue to coordinate with the RP and state and local officials to ensure that the tanks containing HF and HF waste mixture will be removed and disposed of properly.
The facility is located adjacent to a school and several residences.
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