From September 2006 through May 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) conducted a removal action at the HCC that involved the excavation, transportation and disposal of the pesticide-contaminated soils underneath a deteriorating asphalt cap. In September of 2007 the USEPA conducted a removal assessment and a structural inspection of the Mixing Plant Building (MPB) in preparation for the final phase of the Removal Action.
The final phase will consist of demolishing the MPB, removal of debris associated with the demolition, removal of the foundation, testing soils underneath the MPB for the presence of pesticide contamination, disposal of contaminated soils and finally site restoration.
Demolition activities continue at the site. The roof, walls, and 85% of the slab have been demolished. Approximately 1000 out of the total of 1500 cubic yards of construction debris has been transported and disposed of at the Rio Grande Valley Landfill in Donna, TX. The debris has been characterized as Class I non-hazardous waste.
Removal of approx. 3000 square feet of asbestos containing material (transite) on the roof at the south end of the MPB was completed on February 22nd. The work was done by Turnstone EH&S a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Mcallen, TX, and the transite was disposed of at the Rio Grande Valley Landfill in Donna, TX.
The area underneath the MPB to be sampled has been laid out into 10 grids from which a 9 point composite soil sample is collected from each grid. Soil sampling has been conducted at 8/10 grids. Analytical results from Grids 1-4 indicate the presence of several pesticides, however all results are below the Protective Concentration Limits (PCL's) as set forth in the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) by the State of Texas for a commercial/industrial site. Results are currently pending for Grids 4-8.
Air monitoring and air sampling activities continue at the site. A total of 40 air samples have been submitted to the laboratory since demolition activties began and there have been no detections of any of the 21 pesticides sampled for.
A sample of backfill material which will be used for site restoration was collected at "Rio Grande Valley Materials" facility on February 28th. The sample will be analyzed to ensure appropriateness for restoration.
Complete demolition and T&D of all associated debris.
Complete soil sampling and characterize all excavated soils for T&D.
Stage backfill material onsite in preparation for site restoration.
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