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.
On February 26, 2007 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requested EPA to conduct a removal action on their behalf at a residential property identified to have contaminated soil. EPA has secured access thru the property owner and is anticipated to begin removing contaminated soil early next week. EPA contractors have initiated work at the property by removing 30 cubic yards of debris for disposal. On 15 March 2007, Mr. Johnson, a Texas Forest Service representative, assisted EPA with the identification of local flora on the property for documentation.
Excavation of contaminated soil continued in excavation areas #1 through #6 at 602 Holland Avenue. A depth of approximately 1 to 19 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.'
As of March 16, 2007 EPA has excavated and stockpiled approximately 12,700 cubic yards of soil for further analysis and waste characterization. To date, EPA has removed approximately 11,700 cubic yards of contaminated soil for off site transportation and disposal. Additionally, EPA has removed approximately 315 tons of contaminated concrete and 37,000 gallons of storm water for off site transportation and disposal. Approximately, 100% of Area #1, 100% of Area #2, 100% of Area #3, 100% of Area #4, 100% of Area 5 and 100% of Area 6 has 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, 100% of Area #1, 100% of Area #2, 100% of Area #3, 100% of Area #4, 100% of Area 5 and 100% of Area 6 has initial 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.
As of 16 March 2007, 793 particulate and gaseous phase air samples, 179 confirmation of cleanup soil samples, 6 backfill source soil samples, 4 sludge/sediment samples, and 2 water samples have been collected and 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 and residential property.
Excavation of contaminated soil at residential property as requested and identified by the TCEQ.
Continue to conduct air monitoring and sampling on Site and in the community.
Continue off site transportation and disposal of contaminated soil.
Continue site restoration with clean backfill soil in excavation areas that have met clean up goals for Site and residential property.
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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