The Murphy Property, 263 Salem Street Site occupies approximately one acre in a primarily commercial area of Woburn Massachusetts. It is an inactive, privately owned waste oil hauling and storage facility. The total storage capacity at the property is approximately 123,000 gallons. It has not been in operation since approximately 1987. The property owner of record is deceased; the executrix of the estate is Joan Murphy, the spouse of the deceased owner.
A two story residence on the property appears to have been more recently occupied. Currently, the property is inactive and unoccupied.
The structures on the property include a two-story residence and a separate workshop/garage behind the residence. There are eight bulk storage containers, ranging in size from one 75,000 gallon bunker to several 1000 gallon above-ground or partially buried storage tanks. The total storage capacity is approximately 123,000 gallons. However, it is estimated that less than 1000 gallons of liquid remain in the storage tanks, and much of that is water.
EPA collected soil samples at the site on 23 August, 2006. Laboratory analysis indicates that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found in surface soils and bulk containers at levels as high as 10,650 parts per million (ppm) in surface soil; in addition, levels of lead as high as 37,000 ppm were found in surface soils. The Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) identifies soil direct contact threat concentration limits for PCBs as 2 ppm, and for lead as 300ppm.
EPA and EPA contractors mobilized to the site on August 27, 2007. Initial activities included clearing trees and vegetation, delineation of work zones, soil sample collection for additional characterization of the vertical extent of contamination, and setting up decon areas and office trailers. It is expected that the cleanup action will continue through November of 2007.
Following evaluation of the characterization samples, the ERRS contractor will begin excavation of contaminated soils. Soils will be staged on site before being shipped offsite for disposal. Additional information of disposal methods will be included in subsequent POLREPS.
Coordination with the local fire department and the Massachusetts DEP is essential to the completion of the cleanup.
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