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The Site is located at 716 Broadway Street in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts. The Site is bordered by Broadway Street to the west, residential homes to the south and north, and St. Stanislaus School to the east.
The Site is a privately owned residential property of approximately 0.25 acre in size. It consists of a two-family, three story, wood structure building. The building also contains a basement. The first floor is currently occupied by Thomas Gorton and Nicolle Medeiros (co-owners). Mr. Gorton and Ms. Medeiros purchased the building in August 2007. The second floor is occupied by a single elderly female that has lived there for approximately 50 years. The entire Site is fenced. According to the 2000 Census, 30,985 people live within 1 mile, 11,486 people live within 0.5 mile, and 2,998 people live within 0.25 mile. Three schools are located within 0.25 mile of the Site with the closest (St. Stanislaus School) being adjacent to the back yard of the Site.
A release of mercury has been identified by MassDEP and EPA. Air monitoring conducted by EPA has documented elevated levels of mercury within the building as well as the exterior porch at levels which present a significant health threat to anyone living in the building.
11/13/2007
The EPA Contracting Officer, authorizes ERRS to initiate response activities at the Site.
11/14/2007
EPA conducts site-walk with ERRS and START contractors to discuss current conditions and develop technical approach to complete the mercury cleanup. Others present at the Site were representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MADPH), Fall River Department of Health (FRDOH), the current owner, his insurance agent, and tenant.
11/19/2007
ERRS and its subcontractor (Fleet Environmental) mobilizes equipment, personnel, and supplies to the Site. START conducts air monitoring (screening with Lumex Model RA915 mercury vapor analyzer) in the interior and outside areas of the building to further assess the current conditions and extent of contamination. The air monitoring reveals elevated mercury levels in the interior of the building and no mercury levels above background outside of the building. Fleet begins the removal of visible mercury from areas of the basement. Fleet removes mercury contaminated carpets from the 1st and 2nd floors. START provides photodocumentation of work areas throughout the building. Fleet personnel remain on site during the non-working hours for security.
11/20/2007
Fleet resumes removal of visible mercury from the rear halls, stairwell areas, and rear entrance area using HEPA vacuums. ERRS mobilizes a portable generator, negative air blowers, and electric heating units to raise the temperature throughout the building to volatize mercury in the building. The heating cycle consisted of 8 hours heating above 85 degrees, ventilation of building throughout open windows and negative air units, and building temperature normalization
11/21/2007
Fleet continues the heating cycle throughout the building. The previous heating cycle reduced the mercury levels, however, residential habitation levels have not been met. START continues air monitoring to assess effectiveness of decontamination efforts and mercury volatilization efforts. The air monitoring reveals elevated mercury levels in the interior of the building and no mercury levels above background outside of the building. Fleet personnel remain on site during the non-working hours for security.
11/22-23/2007
Fleet continues the heating cycle throughout the building. The heating cycles further reduce the mercury levels, however, the residential habitation levels are still not met. START continues air monitoring to assess effectiveness of decontamination efforts and mercury volatilization efforts. The air monitoring reveals elevated mercury levels in the interior of the building and no mercury levels above background outside of the building. ERRS treats the localized mercury contaminated areas with sorbent material and removes the contaminated materials with HEPA vacuums. Fleet personnel remain on site during the non-working hours for security.
11/24-25/2007
Fleet continues several heating cycles throughout the building to further reduce mercury levels over the weekend. Fleet personnel remove the decking of the rear entrance and rebuilds decking. All contaminated material removed are placed in drums for offsite disposal. Fleet personnel remain on site during the non-working hours for security.
11/26/2007
Fleet completes the heating cycle and START conducts air monitoring to determine the effectiveness. Field screening results indicate mercury vapors at or below residential levels. EPA consults with ATSDR regarding the re-habitation of the building. ATSDR confirms that the mercury levels in the building have been reduced to allow re-habitation. EPA informs the tenant and owners in addition to the MassDEP and FRDOH of the rehabitation decision.
ERRS demobilizes equipment and personnel from the site.
Remove and dispose the drummed wastes.
None
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