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.
Decontamination of tanks and piping which held AHF is complete. The scrubber system which was constructed onsite has been disassembled and waste characterization samples collected from the Alumina totes and the Carbon totes indicated elevated concentrations of TCE.
The material in the frac tank and the vacuum boxes can be solidified onsite and disposed of as a solid waste.
The Baker Frac Tank which was irreparable has been demolished. The solids which were removed from the tank have been solidified by mixing with fly ash and stock piled. Low pH liquids pumped from the frac tank have also been mixed with fly ash, solidified and stock piled.
Overhead HF vapor lines (6 inch PVC) used as part of the scrubber system were cut into pieces, removed, soaked in lime caustic solution and then rinsed.
1,460 Gallons of Therminol 72, a used oil was picked up by Solutia, Inc. and transported to their facility in Anniston, AL for recycling.
All air monitoring for HF which includes both the perimeter and walk around monitoring remains non - detect. Pressure readings in the HF tankers remains steady.
Evaluate treatment/disposal options for approx. 80,000 gallons of water used in the decontamination process.
Drum the remaining TCE out of the plant chiller system.
Conduct transportation and disposal operations for the stockpiled solids generated from the frac tank and vacuum boxes.
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