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.
The site was remobed on January 28, 2008 with a limited crew. One UXO team was mobed. Magging and digging activities discontinued on May 2 when the trommel mixer was mobilized to the site. The UXO team supports both the trommel sifting activity and the firehole excavation as per SOW and AHA. Therefore during this reporting period no new grids were QA'd/completed.
1. Total Grids Cleared Gov't QA: 78
2. Total MEC/MD found: 29,685 (MEC items include detonators,grenade fuze,blasting caps,tracer elements, incendiary bomblets, flares etc. etc.)
4. Total MD found: 7,695lbs.
5. Scrap metal found: 8,066lbs.
6. Total Phase II processed soils: 4667cy
Trommel Sifting Activities:
On 5/2/08 the trommel mechanical sifter was mobilized to the site and commenced the mechanical sifting of stockpiled soils from the previous year's hydroaeration pile and newly excavated grids where heavy anomalies were detected. Trommel sifting activities continued during this reporting period. Soils from both the Phase II surface area and soils from the fireholes were sifted. Of the approximately 5,700 MEC items recovered off the trommel since it was mobilized, 5,600 are tracers. Therefore 98% of the total MEC sifted thru the trommel are found to be the tracer element.
Firehole Excavation Activities:
Excavation and coarsing of the fireholes continues. The coarsing activity (pre screening thru an initial 4inch screen device) is causing this excavation to move slowly as well as the heavy rains during this reporting period. Approximately 3,700 cu yds of soils have been excavated, coarsed and moved to the trommel pad area. This represents roughly two thirds of the estimated soils to be excavated from the fireholes. Excavation to 5-6ft depths continue. A total of 510 MEC items were found. This number changed dramatically from the last reporting period because trommelling of these soils commenced during this period. Large amounts of scrap metal are being removed thanks to the coarsing operation. A total of 3,024 lbs of scrap has been removed and staged on site from the fireholes thus far. Suspected friable ACM is bagged as per the SOW.
On June 17, 2008 surface soils within grid L1d were scraped and staged on plastic. This small section of surface soils were discolored and sampled at the end of 2007. Elevated TNT results led to this scraping. Approximately 20cy of this soil was staged pending offsite disposal.
Sampling and monitoring for airborne asbestos fibers and particulate continued on dry days as per AMSAP. So far no site standards have been threatened for both asbestos and the particulate.
On June 24, 2008 the OSC conducted an on site meeting with the Cecil County Commissioners. MDE representatives as well as media reps were in attendance. The purpose of this onsite meeting was to discuss site work, show the MEC items found and for viewing of the trommel sifting and the fireholes excavation operations. Cecil County Commissioners appeared to be content with the activity and the approach for site completion.
EPA OSC has initiated disposal paperwork for various wastestreams. Included initially are the munitions debris drums (12) and the tracer elements (also 12 drums). Presently these drums are staged in the conex box. County Commissioners and the media were able to verify volume of MEC and debris collected to date before material is shipped.
Continue with excavation and scraping of the fireholes and Phase II surface soils. EPA is anticipating mobilizing a large pan scraper to assist with the remaining 30 - 35 grids (8 acres). The pan scraper can lift surface soils and place such near the trommel sifter. This will enhance site ops. A second trommel may be mobilized to assist as well.
MDE Voluntary Cleanup Program personnel voiced their approval of EPA's trommel screening process after their site visit on June 24,2008 and a followup phone conversation. MDE Federal Superfund Division continues to maintain a weekly onsite presence and monitors all activity closely.
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