EPA and START and ERRS contractors are performing removal actions to mitigate the threat of creosote releasing into the Elizabeth River.
Current actions are taking place in the south tank area. This area consists of one large tank bottom and subsurface creosote-contaminated pipes, soils, and sludges.
This week, ERRS excavated the tank bottom and found that the depth of contamination to the bottom of the tank was approximately three feet. ERRS continued excavating contaminated piping and sludge to the east (left) of the tank. Heavily contaminated sludge was excavated up to five feet below the surface area. Additional pipes were also discovered. ERRS reached groundwater before reaching completely contamination-free soils. The excavated area was backfilled using non creosote contaminated soils from the Site.
VADEQ representatives were on Site 6/2/06 to oversee Site operations. DEQ confirmed that wastes from the Site must be disposed as hazardous listed wastes. Also, DEQ informed EPA that the existing EPA Generator ID number for the Site could be used for transportation and disposal.
OSC Wagner met with neighboring businesses, Citgo and Hess, to inform these companies of EPA operations and to leave contact information. OSC Wagner also coordinated with the Chesapeake Fire Department.
The creosote and equipment staging areas were covered with visqueen and secured prior to close of business in anticipation of rain and storms.
Removal actions will focus on removal of creosote and creosote contaminated sludges and soils from the tank areas.
START will assist the OSC in collecting information to determine, to the extent practicable, the source, nature, and extent of creosote contamination on the north end of the Site. This creosote may have originated from the Site; however, there are also other possible sources of creosote in the area.
ERRS will complete decontamination of the tank bottom. The decontaminated tank will be left on the Site. The area beneath the tank will be excavated until creosote is no longer visible or groundwater is reached.
Unusually high temperatures for this time of year are causing heat stress problems. No injuries have occurred and workers are taking care to rehydrate often.
Additional photos will be added to this Site at a later date.
The property owner visits the Site daily and has been cooperative with EPA on all removal actions.
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