A Time-Critical Removal Action began in September 2009 to address the hazards associated with the former Gulf State Steel Powerhouse, lagoons and Slag Piles.
Remaining removal activities: Slag pile processing, remaining waste lagoon management (2) and slag pile landfill creation. The slag piles are the source of continued release of characteristic hazardous waste. The caustic leachate containing pH values as high as 12.5 from the slag piles is directly discharging into Black Creek, an adjacent wetland area, and a residential neighborhood from drainage ditches outside the Site fence. Sloughing of slag from the piles has been observed on both the northern and southern piles. The sloughing allows for the production of more leachate due to the increase in surface area of new unweathered slag.
ERRS subcontractor notified the project manager and OSC of the difficulties that were being encountered in the slag manufacturing process. Most of the ferrous material being recovered was either difficult to reclaim due to water intrusion or very low in alkaline producing material. The subcontractor requested that changes be made in the process in order to more feasibly continue operations. A cost-benefit analysis was preformed to compare the effectiveness of further slag processing with significant reduction of pH in the downstream effluent. Further slag processing was determined to be unfeasible by the OSC. As a result, slag recovery ended on January 7th, 2013. An estimated 462,158,921 lbs which make up approximately 70 percent of the slag piles have been processed.
Leachate coming from slag piles continues to be monitored for pH. pH ranges from 9 to 12.5.
The main waste pile has been re-contoured to eliminate sloughing and minimize uncontrolled runoff and erosion.
USCG GST on-site to assist with ERRS and START contractor oversight, including the operation of Data-rams for air monitoring.
There is currently 1,500 tons of "B" material and 60,000 tons of "C" material awaiting shipment off-site.
As part of the ramp down process, the remaining waste pile and landfill will be contoured to minimize seepage. The drainage ditches around the area will be cleaned, the roads will be cleaned and any disturbed railroad tracks will be repaired if necessary.
EPA and ADEM have scheduled a meeting on January 15th, 2013 to discuss future actions at the site.
EPA OSC has met with the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator to draft a press release for dissemination to the local public and government officials.
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