Halaco Engineering Co. is a bankrupt secondary smelter located at 6200 Perkins Ave., Oxnard, CA, 93033. The site consists of a smelter property and the waste management unit (WMU). The smelter process generated a large amount of waste solids in a wastewater matrix. The wastewater was pumped into a series of ponds at the WMU. After the water clarified, it was pumped off and reused. The process waste solids were periodically removed from the ponds and stacked up along the shores of the ponds. The result over a 35 year period caused a 28 acre process waste solids pile that covers approximately 28 acres. The southern toe of the WMU and the southern end of the smelter are abutted against the Ormond Lagoon and Wetlands. Historical sampling events conducted by EPA, various State agencies and the Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) documented the presence of elevated concentrations of copper, zinc, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, zinc and chromium. Historical use of radioactive scrap metals has also resulted in a radioactive component of the WMU.
Picture (web site only): The EPA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air's Environmental Radiation Ground Surveyor tractor monitoring for gamma radiation in the northern WMU.
June 23: EPA owned air sampling pumps (4), generator (1) and met station (1) was stolen from the site. A police report was made. Geoprobe sampling, installation of wells, surface sampling, ERGS monitoring and air surveillance continued. XRF analysis of the soil and solids samples began. Sediment samples were collected from the Oxnard Industrial Drain (OID)and the Ormond Beach Lagoon (OBL).
June 24: The WMU grid was completed to implement random surface sampling. Geoprobe and air sampling continued.
June 25: Geoprobe sampling of the WMU and XRF analysis continued.
June 26: Geoprobe sampling, installation of wells, surface sampling in the smelter and WMU, XRF analysis and air surveillance continued. ORIA conducted ERGS surveys of Ormond Beach. The beach was closed with the cooperation of the Cities of Oxnard and Point Heuneme. Waste composite samples were collected from the WMU. Off-site surface samples were collected in the agricultural fields east of the WMU. Five populations of fish were caught in the OID/OBL. No endangered species were caught or impacted. Sediment samples were collected from the OBL. Down hole radiation monitoring was conducted for gamma radiation on the WMU.
An article on EPA operations at the site came out in the Los Angeles Times, Ventura addition. Reporters from Channel 3 were on-site for a televised interview with the OSC.
June 27: Geoprobe sampling, the wells were developed and purged in preparation for sampling, surface sampling in the wetlands and on Ormond Beach, XRF analysis and air surveillance continued. ORIA and START conducted radiation surveys of Ormond Beach to further delineate hot spots. At this time, it does not appear that the hot spots are related to Halaco, however further interpretation of the data is required. Off-site surface samples were collected in the residential areas north east of the WMU. Surface water samples were collected in the OID and OBL. Air samples were counted for alpha radiation. The ERGS was demobilized. Reporter and photographer from the Ventura Star on-site for story on Halaco. Interviews with OSC and Site Assessment Manager.
June 28: Assessment of the beach continued. During the assessment, a severly injured sea lion was discovered by START. The OSC notified the California Department of Fish and Game. Minnow traps were installed in the OID and OBL to collect additional fish samples. Air surveillance and geoprobe sampling was completed. XRF analysis, well development and sediment sampling continued.
June 29: Groundwater samples were collected from the geoprobe installed wells and the existing was conducted. All EPA personnel and contractors demobilized.
June 30: The PRPs including Clarence Haack, Robert Haack and John Haack agreed to the Adminstrative Order on Consent.
July 3: OSC Wise analyzed the remaining air sample filters for radiation.
1. Time critical removal action pursuant to the June 9, 2006 Action Memo by the PRP group.
1. Review of data from the Integrated Assessment.
1. Signing of the AOC by the members of the PRP group.
2. Compliance with the AOC by members of the PRP group.
3. Investigation into stolen EPA equipment by Oxnard Police Department. CID notified by ORC.
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