CAPC is a medium sized commercial metal plating facility that performs several kinds or electroplating. Historically the site has been used for plating operations with zinc, nickel, copper, chromium, silver, gold, tin, and cadmium. Although processes varied from one metal to another, their general process involved pre-cleaning with caustic solution or solvent, acid pickling (which eliminated scales remaining after cleaning), metal plating, and often a final chromate dip to protect plated surfaces. Zinc plating is currently the primary process at the site. The facility employed approximately 13 people.
The primary concern at this Site was the threat of fire and explosion. The secondary concern is the threat posed by CERCLA hazardous substances and pollutant or contaminants releasing from abandoned drums, Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST's) and process area vats. Drums and containers onsite will continue to deteriorate over time. As a result, the potential of solvents, acids, bases, oil, and toxic chemicals to be released to the environment is high.
See initial Polrep for further background information.
Monday, June 9, 2003
EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (1), START (3), and ERRS (7) members on site. Vacuum truck arrived on scene and removed a total of 4000 gallons of hexavalent chrome wastewater. ERRS cut and staged approximately 300 containers for solid waste removal. ERRS consolidated approximately 25 - 55 gallon drums of base and base oxidizers into the Baker tanks. Samples were taken from Baker tanks to have lab analysis performed. START performed air monitoring for all transfer operations.
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (1), START (3), and ERRS (7) members on site. Vacuum truck arrived on scene to remove 3450 gallons of chromic acid solution from vats in plating shop. ERRS continued to segregate and categorize laboratory chemicals, 60 % complete. START performed air monitoring for all transfer evolutions as well as updating drum inventories, photo logs and inventory of samples taken for analysis.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (1), START (3), and ERRS (7) members on site. ERRS transferred approximately 12,000 gallons of hexavalent chromium wastewater from two Baker tanks into three vacuum trucks. Baker tanks were then decontaminated and made ready for demobilization from site. START provided air monitoring for all transfer evolutions. One 40 cubic yard bin of empty drums was removed from the site for disposal. START has Hazard Categorized 1327 liquid samples to date.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (3), START (3), and ERRS (7) members on site. ERRS transferred 3750 gallons of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid into vacuum truck for removal. Due to incompatible acids reacting in the second vacuum truck it had to be off loaded back into a stainless steel vat in plating shop for safety reasons. Vacuum truck was then cleaned and 3955 gallons of wastewater containing zinc and lead was transferred and removed from site.
Friday, June 13, 2003
EPA OSC (1), USCG PST (2), START (3), and ERRS (7) members on site. Representative samples collected from the site (taken from all onsite containers) were shipped to an anylitical labarotory to confirm HAZCAT results. Two Baker tanks were removed from the site today. ERRS personnel cleaned out the drum and vat staging area where the Baker tanks were stored. This area will be used to stage and decon the vats removed from inside the plating shop. START documented site conditions during the removal of vats from their respective plating lines. Photo documentation shows sludges and sediments under the plating vats. Secondary containment intended to retain spills is cracked and comprimised.
Approximately 30-40 containers were shipped offsite today. These products were returned to the original shippers/manufacturers: Cascade Columbia and MacDermid (Bushnell). Reimbursement of the chemicals will be credited to the owners account.
Two experts in the plating industry visited the site today to discuss the potential beneficial reuse of the equipment on site. Based on their assessment we will not be salvaging the vats for reuse. There is however some potential value to the metals associated with the vats including: copper, nickle, titanium, lead ect.
Where appropriate, ERRS will continue bulking hazardous waste by waste stream and remove via vacuum truck, baker tank, or drums, for proper disposal. They will also work on the bulking sequence for the vats for the upcoming pumping operation. START will continue staging and HAZCATing unknown drums and containers as well as manage on site water accumulation. As time allows, ERRS will continue removing contaminated debris, characterize sludges and liquids beneath vats in plating room as well as remove all sludges and liquids from floor and wastewater treatment unit.
Please refer to Pollution Report #5 for all current Waste stream information.
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