See previous POLREPS for Site Description information.
An additional buried railroad tankcar containing unknown materials was discovered on 11/20/08 during continuing removal site evaluation of the Site.
Removal site evaluation activities conducted between 11/17 and 11/20/08 resulted in the collection of environmental samples. Subsurface soil samples collected in the area of 2 former impoundments/lagoons had strong chemical odors similar to that of creosote and tarry layers. Both impoundment areas also contained shallow ground water.
TCCA continues to complete the remainder of the required removal actions pursuant to the Unilateral Administrative Order. Remaining work includes removal of small containers, disposition of the contents of Tank #7 (presumed oil), and submittal of a closeout report. TCCA has provided no estimate of the date for completion and may be out of compliance with its order.
The OSC initiated a removal site evaluation of the Site on November 17, 2008.
On November 18, surface soil samples were collected. Most of the Site was covered with sand blasting grit and this material will be present in most samples. Some samples were collected from the area of a drainage from the Site. The samples will be analyzed for semivolatile organic compounds and metals.
On November 18, 2008, three ground water wells installed on the Site were sampled. Each well indicated that it was completed in an aquifer at depths of about 45 feet below ground surface. The samples will be analyzed for volatile and semivolatile compounds.
On November 19 and 20, subsurface soil samples were colected from 12 locations. Locations were selected to include the areas of two former lagoon/impoundments based upon aerial photographs, the location of former buried railroad tank cars, and other locations. The subsurface soil samples will be analyzed for volatile and semivolatile organic compounds, pesticides, PCBs, and the herbicide 2,4-D.
Most of the subsurface soil samples contained strong chemical odors (similar to creosote). Many of the samples contained tarry layers. Most samples contained a clay-rich soil at depths of about 6 to 10 feet. In the area of one of the impoundments, the clay was contaminated (based upon visual observation and screening) to depths greater than 8 feet and no clean material was encountered before the advancement of the hole was discontinued so as not to penetrate through the clay.
In the area of the buried tanks, the subsurface soil was found to be contaminated (based upon screening) to depths greater than 16 feet.
In the area of the two impoundments, water was encountered at depths of approximately 2 feet below the ground surface. The water appears to be perched atop the clayey subsoil. EPA installed temporary wells in the locations of the impoundments, purged those wells and collected samples. These ground water samples will be analyzed for volatile and semivolatile organic compounds.
The OSC found the top of another buried railroad tank car on November 20, 2008. TCCA had arranged for the removal of 3 buried tank cars as required by their Order. The car's dome had cutouts which allowed the OSC to determine that the car was full of an unknown black material with a strong chemical odor.
Analytical data is expected within 30 days.
TCCA is expected to remove and dispose of small containers remaining at the Site.
EPA will complete the characterization of residual materials and soil and groundwater.
Additional removal actions to address remaining tanks will be conducted. The OSC will provide the opportunity to complete this activity to TCCA and will request a schedule for completion by November 29, 2008.
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