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On 8/24/06, EPA was notified via NRC report # 809003 of an estimated 3556 gallon sulfuric acid spill at the Erachem Comilog Facility located at 735 Foote Lane, New Johnsonville, Humphries Co., TN. The spill resulted from a failed seal on a transfer pump. The company discovered the release on 8/21/06, but did not report the incident until making a volume calculation on 8/24. The acid spilled into a lined containment area;however, the floor of the containment failed and an unknown quantity of acid escaped containment.
OSC Spurlin was dispatched on 8/25/06, and arrived on-site at 0930hrs. The OSC met with facility reps and viewed the spill area. The containment area was in poor condition from exposure to past acid releases. A hole of 6-8" was observed through the concrete floor near the sump area. Facility reps indicated a large quantity of the material drained through the hole.
OSC Spurlin directed the facility to hire a cleanup contractor to remove the remaining waste residue in the containment, provide a temporary patch for the hole, and investigate where the acid may be located in the subgrade. EraChem hired 1st Response Inc., who mobilized 8/25 and initiated cleanout of containment. Cleanout was completed on 8/25, and concrete was poured over the hole as a temporary measure to prevent subsequent releases.
While on-scene, OSC Spurlin contacted TDEC's Solid & Haz. Waste program (Mr. Ed Cox, Mr. Roger Donovon) to ensure they were aware of the release at a regulated facility. Mr. Daniel Roop of TDEC conducted a site visit on 8/28/06. OSC Spurlin demobed from the site on 8/25/06.
OSC Spurlin received an update from the facility on 8/29. The facility had discovered that the acid had traveled to a nearby former sanitary sewer line and flowed to a 4' by 12' sump at the former sanitary treatment operation on site. The facility was flushing the pipe and pumping the acid to their on-site water treatment system for neutralization.
The TDEC will take the lead on further investigation and remediation efforts at the facility.
While on-site, OSC Spurlin conducted an SPCC inspection. The inspection information has been forwarded to Atlanta for follow-up.
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