See POLREP 1 for past history. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) continues to conduct intermittent clean-up actions at the site and has completed investigations to determine the location, source and extent of the seepage and discharge. To date, identification of a viable and liable responsible party (RP) is still unresolved (see Attachment 2).
The RRC has completed a risk/pathway evaluation and geotechnical assessment to determine the optimal placement and installation of the recovery trench and wells. The final design and design specifications have also been completed. The RRC conducted a site visit on November 1, 2002 with the prospective contractors. The bids opened for contractor proposals November 15, 2002 with award projected on December 23, 2002. RRC has requested proposals from the prospective contractors to install the trench system. A PRFA amendment has been prepared to request additional funds for:1) installation of the trench, and 2) the RRC in-house costs associated with developing the scope of work, reviewing and approving contractor proposals, contract award, and coordinating construction activities during installation of the containment trench system.
Once RRC has received proposals and selected the final negotiated contractor estimate, the EPA OSC will submit a request to increase the FPN Ceiling significantly (as much as an additional $350,000). Additionally, the OSC will also submit a PRFA amendment to allow reimbursement for RRC activities and completion of the response action in accordance with the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The construction of the trench is estimated to take place over a six-week period from January 6 to the end of February 2003. Short term Operations & Maintenance (5 yrs) will commence following installation. In the meantime, oil removal and clean up operations at the site will continue from time to time to keep crude oil from flowing into Chiltipin Creek.
Crude oil continues to seep directly into Chiltipin Creek, which flows into Copano Bay (Gulf of Mexico).
Extensive work has been, and continues to be conducted by the RRC to contain and remove the spills as required.
A new design of a recovery trench has been developed avoid construction on private property as much as possible. This new design and relocation of the system will result in a higher construction cost.
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