See POLREPs #4 and #5 for Site Description information.
During Removal Operations, several field screening tests were conducted upon soil and sludge found within various drains on the Site. The results of the field screening tests indicate PCB contamination in most of the samples.
During Removal Operations, several connections between the drains on the Site and storm and sanitary drains in the City of Bluefield were verified or assumed based upon direct observation or dye tracing.
A floor drain in the former High Voltage Area was found to be directly connected to the area storm drain. PCB contamination levels in the mud within the floor drain were found to be 84 mg/kg.
A storm drain along the western side of the facility was found to contain a black oily substance with organic odor. PCB field screening tests of the material were inconclusive, but believed to be positive.
The Removal Action was re-initiated August 13, 2008. The ERRS contractor (WRS/Compass) and the START contractor (Techlaw) were mobilized.
The ERRS contractor removed debris and sludge from a sump located in the northeast corner of Crane Shop 3 (Area 3b as depicted in the facility closure documentation). The sump was reportedly serving a paint booth during historical facility operations. Field screening of the sludge from the sump indicated PCB contamination. The sump had a drain hole leading to an unknown location west of the sump.
The ERRS contractor removed debris and sludge from a sump located in the northeast corner of Crane Shop #2 (Area 1d as depicted in the facility closure documentation). The sump is adjacent to and south of the former location of a TCE degreaser tank vault. Analytical testing of the contents of sump conducted previously by EPA indicated approximately 16 mg/kg of PCB. The sump had a drain hole leading to an unknown location west of the sump and two entry points on the eastern wall of the sump.
The ERRS contractor removed the debris from a floor trench drain located in the former High Voltage Area (Area 4 as depicted in the facility closure documentation). The floor drain feature extends over the area storm drain and in addition to a designed outlet into the storm drain, a penetration through the base of the floor drain and directly into the storm drain was also discovered. EPA sampling of the contents of the floor drain indicated 84 mg/kg of PCBs.
The ERRS contractor initiated the removal of contaminated water from the former degreaser tank vault and adjacent sump. The water is being removed to allow the OSC to determine how contaminated waters may be exiting the Site and how that migration can be minimized. The waters are being filtered (bag and carbon) before placement into temporary on-Site tanks.
The ERRS contractor initiated removal of oil and water from the basement of the facility. The liquid is being removed to assist the OSC to determine how contaminated waters are exiting the Site and how that migration can be minimized. The ERRS is attempting to identify floor drains and piping in the basement which allows the passage of water. As they are encountered, drums in the basement are being removed.
The ERRS initiated removal of contaminated water from the former compressor room.
The OSC is inspecting the Site and trying to determine how contaminated waters are migrating from the Site into area storm drains and sanitary systems. The OSC is coordinating with the City and trying to trace these on-Site systems as they are uncovered. The OSC and WVDEP conducted dye tracing activity on 8/14/08 in an attempt to determine how a deep drain (accessed through a manhole in the former High Voltage area) passing water through the Site is connected to area drainage systems. Although inconclusive, it appears that dye was found in a sanitary manhole along Bluefield Avenue west of the Site.
The START contractor has conducted some field screening of sludges and soils encountered during the response action.
The OSC spoke to reporters from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph on 8/15/08. A newspaper article ran on 8/16/08.
The OSC, START, and ERRS investigated an apparent storm drain located along a paved accessway on the western perimeter of the Site. A black oily material with a solvent odor was discovered at the base.
START initiated sampling activities intended to further characterize the extent of PCB contamination at the Site.
Continue to remove water and oil in an effort to identify off-Site drainage features so that off-Site migration can be minimized.
Collect samples of water to determine if the liquids can be discharged in coordination with local sanitary authorities or must be further treated and/or disposed.
Collect samples of water, soil, sediment, and sludge to better characterize the extent of contamination at/from the Site.
Determine how to minimize off-Site migration in drains which can not be confirmed. Excavation is considered.
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