Work Mission Statement:
Safely and efficiently investigate and remove Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC); Materials Potentially Possessing an Explosive Hazard (MPPEH), Munitions Debris (MD) and explosively contaminated soil(TNT) from the Elkton Farms Firehole Site, as defined in EPA's geophysical study.
During this reporting period, the FOSC continued to work with the ERRs contractor (GES) in development of various documents. These documents include an overall Work Plan, Accident Prevention Plan (HASP) and Explosive Safety Submission. Initial drafts were submitted to the FOSC during the week of March 5. The FOSC has solicited comments from Start, MDE and EPA personnel. The FOSC is also coordinating the development of a site Sampling Plan (SAP) with Start (TetraTech Inc).
On February 27, 2007 the FOSC convened a meeting with the developer (Herron 393 Inc.), MDE, Start and ERRS at GES offices in Bear, De. The meeting served as a dialogue between the government and the property owner/developer to engender communications and coordination. On March 20, the FOSC will meet with Elkton County Commissioners to discuss proposed site removal plans. On March 27, 2007 the FOSC will meet again with the county Commissioners along with Herron 393.
In February, 2007 a county bridge consultant issued Little Elk Creek Bridge inspection findings. This bridge crosses the creek, on Zeitler Road (a county road), which is the only access road to the site. The inspection revealed serious degradation issues underpinning the structure and downgraded its maximum load bearing cap. from 50,000lbs to 24,000lbs. This new rating severely hampers EPA's ability to move its heavy equipment onto the site. EPA will discuss this issue with county officials and the property owner in the coming weeks. An alternate road to the site may need to be constructed.
The FOSC will coordinate with its contractors and the MDE to ensure complete review of all site documents with anticipation of site mobilization in late April, 2007.
The Little Elk Creek Bridge on Zeitler Rd. reconstruction and/or construction of an alternate road to the site represents a key issue for site mobilization. Presently Herron 393 has an agreement with the county to rebuild the bridge as part of their overall development proposal, however the time frame associated with this reconstruction may delay EPA's activities.
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