On 09 Feb-07 an adjacent property owner (Alvin Backer) to the John Hancock Life Insurance Company property observed some abandoned drums located on the John Hancock Life Insurance Property. Mr. Backer notified Hancock Forest Management (HFM), the property manager. HFM confirmed the report of the abandoned drums and notified the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and requested an investigation on 12-Feb-07. ADEM responded and confirmed 21 -55 gallon drums, 1 - 30 gallon drum and 2 - 15 to 20 gallon drums that were abandoned. ADEM performed some haz-catting of the various materials.
1. 4 Drums had a pH of 2.
2. 5 Drums had a pH of between 2 and 5.
3. 9 Drums had a pH of 13 or greater.
4. 2 Drums had a pH of 11.
5. 3 Drums appeared to be a mixture of oil and water.
6. 1 Drum had a pH of 9.
On 16-Feb-07 US EPA Region 4 was notified by ADEM and requested assistance from the Emergency Response and Removal Branch (ERRB). On 21-Feb-07 ERRB (OSC Rhame) performed an assessment and based on the haz-catting results, the condition of the drums, weather conditions (freeze/thaw)and the vulnerability of the drums - evidence present at the site of shooting, alcohol consumption, camping, etc., ERRB believes that an emergency response removal action is warranted. OSC Rhame issued a verbal notice to the current land owner and a decision will be made on 22-Feb-07 on whether or not US EPA will perform the stabilization and proper disposal of the various materials or if the current landowner will perform the stabilization and proper disposal of the various material.
OSC Rhame is currently in negotiations with the suspected PRP to begin removal activity. START has been mobilized. Criminal Investigations Division (CID) was notified and is currently on site.
US EPA ERRB START contractors will assist CID with sampling activities.
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