This polrep marks the restart of Site activities following activities in 2006. Primary tasks will include:
- Excavating creosote-contaminated sediments from a stream which runs through the Site;
- Excavating creosote-contaminated soils near the former tank area;
- Arrange and perform transportation and disposal of creosote-contaminated wastes
On 5/7/07, OSC Wagner met on Site with federal Natural Resource Trustees from NOAA (S. Hahn and W. Priest) and USFW (J. McCloskey). OSC advised the trustees of the planned actions. The trustees recommended replanting of the banks for soil and erosion controls. EPA does not plan to remove much bank material as the plan is to remove contaminated soils from the sediments of the stream.
Also on 5/7/07,a limited number of ERRS personnel were on Site to collect samples for disposal. Four composite samples were collected from the sediments.
On 5/14/07, ERRS mobilized a full crew to begin operations. Operaitons this week focused on clearing debris and brush from the work area, installing silt fence, installing a containment dam, and mobilizing dewatering boxes.
ERRS worked with Hazel Court Enterprises employees to move parked trucks in the work area. The property operator offered EPA space onsite for a command post, which was mobilized on 5/15. Electricity was hooked up to the Site. Phone service and internet service will not be hooked up at this time to save on costs.
Chesapeake Deputy Fire Marshall Fowler on Site Friday 5/18/07 to receive an update on Site activiites. OSC walked with Mr. Fowler around the Site where activities would be taking place and explained the plan of action.
Stream sediment removal will begin on the east side of the stream. Contaminated sediments will be placed in a dewatering box to drain. Once the dewatering box is full, the soils will be transferred to the staging pile. Water will be drained back to the stream where it will be filtered through the silt fence.
Excavation of stream sediments will begin this week. Work will begin on the east side of the stream. Stream water control will be continuous.
In the OSC's opinion, the contaminated sediments in the stream originated from a variety of sources. The general area was historically used for creosote operations during the active operations of Eppinger & Russell, Bernuth-Lembcke, and Republic Creosote. This stream was likely the downgradient catch basin for these facilities. The OSC has no evidence to show that the contamination in these sediments is specifically related to any of the operations by Hazel Court Enterprises. Hazel Court Enterprises primarily deals with scrap materials and the salvage of used trucks. Hazel Court Enterprises is the current owner of the Site.
Furthermore, there does not appear to be subsurface soil creosote contamination between the tank area (outside of the triangle bordered by the former railroad tracks) north to the stream.
Water in the stream is being pumped around the dam and through the silt fence to minimize any impact to the Elizabeth River. Furthermore, water to the stream is being visually monitored throughout the day.
EPA is using visual confirmation to determine extent of cleanup. Excavation will likely be 2-3 feet in most areas of the stream.
Weather forecast for the upcoming week looks good. No storms are antiicipated which would cause an overflow to the River.
Hazel Court Enterprises continues to operate while Site operations are continuing. The OSC and ERRS RM are working closely with the Site operator and his employees to ensure safe and productive working conditions.
|
