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 Mixing Plant Building has been demolished. Approximately 1600 out of the total of 1800 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.
Approximately 600 cubic yards of soils have been excavated from underneath the building and have been staged and sampled for disposal. Results are still pending.
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 all 10 Grids. Analytical results from Grids 1-7 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. Grids 1-7 have been designated ready for restoration.
Results from Grid 8 show elevated concentrations of both Alpha BHC and Beta BHC above PCL's. Additional excavation will be conducted in this grid and it will be re-sampled. Analytical results are still pending for Grids 9&10.
Air monitoring and air sampling activities continue at the site.
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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