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.
Site activities have included removing the contents and cleaning out the 75K and 15K bunkers and Tank Nos. 1 and 2. Approximately 45 tons of lead contaminated soil has been excavated and loaded out for disposal. The ERRS contractor continues to excavate and stage PCB contaminated soils before being shipped off-site for disposal.
Massachusetts DEP and their contractors have removed the contents, cleaned and removed Tank Nos. 4, 5, and 6 from the site. Tank No. 3 has had it contents removed and cleaned and is awaiting removal.
The ERRS contractor will continue to excavate soils surrounding Tank Nos. 1, 2, and 3 to facilitate their removal and disposal. Note that Massachusetts DEP will arrange for the removal of all tanks (scrap steel) off site.
Coordination with the local fire department and the Massachusetts DEP is essential to the completion of the cleanup.
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