Stream excavation activities at the Site are complete. The Site will be demobilized shortly while the OSC awaits information for transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Stream restoration has been the focus of Site activities over the past week. Stream excavation is complete. Contaminated sediments and soils from the stream were excavated, placed in a filtered dewatering box to drain, decanted on Site, and transferred to the soil staging pile. Creosote was noted emanating from the northern bank which appears to be originating from the adjoining property.
The excavated sediment bottoms were backfilled with sand. The stream was surveyed to determine proper flow. This stream is also tidal, which prevents significant migration of stream water into the Elizabeth River.
The sides of the excavation area were filled with sand in most areas. In areas where the bank had been sharply cut back or is on a bend, a combination of "A" rip-rap and Size #1 stone was used for soil and erosion control. Rock was primarily added in areas where cutback was deep into the banks. These were the most heavily contaminated areas.
Curlex was installed along the banks and seeded with fescue and rye.
Two heavy storms passed through the area over the past several days. The soil and erosion control measures held fast. The stream was inspected following the storm and found clear and flowing naturally.
Brush which was excavated out to perform stream operations was disposed as non-hazardous. Creosote contaminated pilings and logs excavated from the stream were disposed of as creosote-contaminated. However, this material was not heavily contaminated and did not contain any free product. This was primarily trees removed from the upper banks area. The Site operator provided an employee to load the trash into the rolloffs. EPA was not charged for this service. EPA paid for the disposal of this brush.
ERRS disposed of non-hazardous trash generated from Site operations.
OSC identified the owner of the property adacent to the Site on the north. OSC is working with EPA Civil Investigator L. Richardson to contact the owner.
Site restoration activities to continue. After Site restoration is complete (for the interim), crews will demobilize until transportation and disposal of contaminated soils is arranged.
No additional excavation is planned until significant progress is made on disposal.
VDEQ representatives expected to visit the Site on 6/7/07.
NOAA to visit the Site on 6/8/07 to provided guidance on re-planting of stream bed to support native wetlands.
OSC anticiipating bid package for transportation and disposal of contaminated soil.
OSC to provide City of Chesapeake update on Site activities at the end of the week.
Approval for international disposal will be needed to fully evaluate disposal options.
Creosote is still trapped on the north bank of the stream. Temporary measures have been implemented to hold back the creosote; however, this is not a permanent solution. Actions in the current approved Action Memorandum do not extend beyond the Site boundaries.
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