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.
Stockpiled solids initially indicated a pH 12 to 13. EPA applied 93% sulfuric acid (for neutralization to the stockpile and mixed/applied water for several days with a final pH of 11.5. Sample has been collected for waste characterization and are awaiting laboratory results.
All decontamination water (approximately 80,000 gallons) on site have elevated TCE. EPA has ordered a carbon system to be delivered to the site and will be filtering the decon water soon.
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 (slight increases in afternoon due to warmer temperatures).
Drum the remaining TCE out of the plant chiller system.
Treat decontamination water with on-site carbon filtering system.
Conduct transportation and disposal operations for the stockpiled solids generated from the frac tank and vacuum boxes.
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