In late September 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began the removal clean up at the Helena Chemical Company facility (site) in Mission, Texas. The removal action involves digging up the contaminated soil within the on-site facility property underneath a deteriorating asphalt cap.
All site equipment and areas have been secured for Holiday break. Site activities will resume on Wednesday January 3, 2006.
Excavation of contaminated soil continued in excavation areas #1 through #3. A depth of approximately 1 to 5 feet has been removed from each 25 foot square grid. Maps can be found online in the 'documents' section of this web site. The maps are labeled 'Primary and Secondary Excavation Maps.'
Transportation and disposal activities have limited excavation activities during this reporting period. As of December 22, 2006 EPA has excavated and stockpiled approximately 2,700 cubic yards of soil for further analysis and waste characterization. To date, EPA has removed approximately 1,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil for off site transportation and disposal. Approximately, 57% of Area #1, 9% of Area #2, 73% of Area #3, and 4% of Area #4 have been confirmed by soil analysis to be below Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) commercial / industrial clean up levels for all contaminants of concern.
Backfill has been placed over excavated areas that have been confirmed below TRRP clean up levels. Approximately, 18% of Area #1 and 73% of Area #3 has backfill in place.
Excavated soils are being stockpiled on Site for further analysis and waste characterization. A plastic sheathing is being used to cover all stockpiles and excavated holes on Site to minimize offsite migration of odors, dust, and the potential for contaminated storm water runoff. A frac tank has been mobilized on Site and will be used for containment and water quality sampling of any potentially contaminated storm water.
A network of air monitoring and air sampling devices have been deployed during evening and night hours in the neighboring community around the Site to ensure air quality standards are met. All data will be made available to the public immediately after a through laboratory analysis is completed. Air monitoring and sampling is also being conducted at excavation and stockpile areas on Site to ensure air quality standards are met.
To date, a total of 648 air samples particulate and gaseous phase air samples, 46 composite soil samples, 2 sludge/sediment, and 2 water samples have been submitted to a fixed laboratory for analysis. All pesticide particulate and vapors levels on-site and in the surrounding community have been below the site-specific action levels.
An EPA community office trailer is available on Site. A map which will have updated daily information on particulate air monitoring data is being posted next to the entrance of the office trailer for the public to stop by and view. This information will also be available in hard copy and electronic format. The office is open to allow community members an opportunity to speak with an EPA representative in person about any questions or concerns they may have about ongoing Site activities. This office has up to date and current information available in both English and Spanish.
Review soil analysis for waste profiling and characterization.
Transportation and disposal of contaminated soil from Site.
Continue excavation of contaminated soil underneath asphalt cap.
Continue to conduct air monitoring and sampling on Site and in the community.
Continue off site transportation and disposal of contaminated soil.
Health and safety concerns have been raised about dust that may be potential contaminated migrating offsite during the clean up process.
An extensive network of air monitoring and air sampling safe guards are being utilize on Site and within the neighboring community. All scientific data will be quickly analyzed and made public for city and community leaders to review and discuss with the EPA. Dust control techniques are being used during soil excavation to reduce and / or eliminate offsite migration of dust.
EPA is committed to the public health and safety of its workers and the neighboring community. Results of the air monitoring and air sampling have indicated that the dust control measures taken are effective.
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