On March 29, 2005, EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC)Art Smith was contacted by the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KYDEP)Superfund program regarding an abandoned creosote wood-treating facility in Mayfield, Graves County, KY. The site is located at 311 E. Hunt Road in Mayfield and was formerly operated as Easterday Tie and Timber from 1977 until 2002. At that time, Kentucky Tie & Timber (KY TT) purchased the property and continued wood-treating operations. KY TT ceased operating and abandoned the property in 2004. A recent inspection of the premises by KYDEP in January 2005 disclosed evidence of creosote spillage from piping adjacent to the above-ground product storage tanks. The facility is readily accessible and recent evidence of trespassing collected by the KYDEP Paducah Regional Office has prompted concerns regarding potential exposure to contaminants.
Upon receipt of email correspondence from KYDEP formally referring the matter to EPA, OSC Smith mobilized to the Site on March 30, 2005 to conduct a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE) purusant to Section 400.310 of the National Oil & Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The OSC concluded the RSE on March 30, 2005, and determined that the conditions onsite meet criteria for a time-critical removal action listed under Section 300.415 of the NCP. After contacting the current owner who cited a financial inability to address threats currently posed by the Site, the OSC initiated a fund-lead removal action under his delegated CERCLA emergency authority.
Since April 27, 2005, EPA's cleanup contractor, CMC, inc., has been on-site conducting treatment of creosote contaminated waste water collected in sumps, tanks and process equipment around the site. Approximately 60,000 gal of water has been treated. Also, approx. 200 tons of creosote contaminated sludges were excavated from the unlined pond. The material is stockpiled and covered on-site awaiting future disposal.OSC Spurlin and a START rep have been on-site throughout the activities.
CMC should complete break-down and cleanup of their equipment by 7/1. one frac tank containing creosote liquids will remain secured on-site. Samples of creosote were shipped to Railworks co. to determine if the product can be recycled at their facility.
A draft ceiling increase Action Memorandum is being reviewed by EPA management. EPA will have CMC cover open tanks and secure buildings prior to demobe on 7/1. Pending approval of the action memo, EPA plans to return to the Site to complete removal action. Anticipated actions include removal of waste residues from tanks and equipment and disposal of waste material.
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