Norphlet Chemical Inc. (NCI) is located outside El Dorado, AR at the location of the former Macmillan Oil Refinery (a previous Non-NPL Removal Action). NCI is a chemical manufacturing facility in the business of producing a refrigerant (HFC-134A) used in automobiles. The primary raw materials used for producing this product is Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride, Trichloroethylene, and a catalyst. The company attempted to produce the intended product but was unable to do so. In September 2008, the company laid off all of its employees.
EPA became aware of this facility in March 2009 and immediately informed the ADEQ. EPA offered its assistance if deemed necessary by the ADEQ. On April 15, 2009, DHS conducted an Infrastructure Protection Inspection of the facility and was alarmed with its condition and the fact that it was abandoned. On April 15, 2009, DHS contacted EPA about their concerns with the site. The major concern was that the abandoned site had containers of Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride (AHF) and mixtures of AHF, TCE, and intermediate refrigerants. In addition, the condition of these containers were questionable. EPA and DHS contacted State authorities and participated in a call concerning the site. On April 16, EPA received a request from ADEQ to address the situation at the site.
EPA dispatched it START Contractors to begin air monitoring. EPA OSC Jones arrived on-site on Friday, April 17, 2009 and met with Federal, State, County, and City officials and evaluated the site. OSC Jones determined that an Imminent and Substantial Endangerment existed as a result of the abandonment of the facility, the conditions of the tankage, and the close proximity of the school and surrounding residents to the facility. On April 16, 2009, Union County Judge Bobby Edmonds declared an emergency. Because of the emergency order and the close proximity of the site to the school, the school was closed on Friday, April 17.
Air monitoring continues on a daily basis with perimeter monitoring using Area Rae’s and walk around monitoring for HF using an RKI Instrument. Kelly/DANA tankers continue to be inspected daily. No detectable HF readings have been found near the tankers or the site perimeter.
Decontamination of tanks and piping which held AHF continues. The scrubber system which was constructed onsite is being disassembled and waste characterization samples have been collected from several different wastestreams for disposal.
The Baker Frac Tank which was utilized as part of the scrubber system developed a leak in the sidewall. Approximately 2000 gallons of liquids were transferred into another tank pending disposal.
Continue decontamination activities and begin transportation and disposal activities of both hazardous and non hazardous wastes.
Continue monitoring HF tankers while onsite.
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