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 the week of 03/19/2007.
On March 20, 2007 EPA held a community meeting at Marcell Elementary School to provide an update on current and planned activities for the Site. This meeting allowed EPA staff to answer questions and discuss clean up progress at the Site. EPA announced at the meeting that it is approximately 95 percent complete with only disposal and final site restoration remaining. EPA is estimating that it will be complete with all Site activities within the next six weeks.
EPA continues to conduct removal activities at the residential property identified by the TCEQ to have contaminated soil. Removal activities included the removal of contaminated soil up to 2 feet in depth for offsite transportation and disposal, final confirmation soil sampling, air monitoring / air sampling, backfill of clean soil and the placement of sod grass. EPA contractors have removed approximately 70 cubic yards of debris and have excavated 200 cubic yards of contaminated soil from residential property. This soil is stockpiled at the Helena Chemical Site pending analysis and waste characterization.
As of March 23, 2007 EPA has excavated and stockpiled approximately 12,900 cubic yards of soil for further analysis and waste characterization. To date, EPA has removed approximately 11,900 cubic yards of contaminated soil for off site transportation and disposal.
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 23 March 2007, 831 particulate and gaseous phase air samples, 182 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 from residential property.
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.
|
