The Mobile American Bumper and Plating site is located at 1654 Navco Road in Mobile, Alabama. The site is bordered by residential properties to the North and East and by Interstate 10 to the South. Approximately 250 feet of wooded land separates the site from residential properties to the West. The site is a former chrome plating operation that encompasses approximately 9 acres. The site consists of an approximate 120,000 square foot, steel-clad building, two shallow concrete-lined surface impoundments, and two concrete-lined ponds. The topography is relatively flat. Surface drainage from around the facility flows to the south via drainage ditches that discharge to a concrete culvert parallel to Interstate 10.
On 1/22/2008 the EPA On Scene Coordinator (OSC), at the request of the City of Mobile, Alabama, met at the American Bumper site with all stakeholders involved to assess the presence of hazardous materials. The facility was abandoned and in severe, structural disrepair. The various chemicals, containers and some vats were completely exposed to the external elements. Several containers were severely deteriorated and releasing their contents directly unto the surrounding ground and environment. Ongoing trespassing and vagrancy was apparent. As a result of the initial assessment the OSC initiated an Emergency Removal Action.
Subsequent to the emergency response, a Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA) was initiated to address potential exposure to hazardous chemicals inside the building and surrounding property. The TCRA scope includes demolition and disposal of the building, disposal of solid and liquid wastes from the emergency removal action and an assessment of the surrounding soils, ponds and surface impoundments.
Building Demolition and Disposal
- Building debris and metal continues to be segregated.
- Loose debris is being containerized in roll off boxes to await sampling and disposal.
- Metals from the stockpile are being cut to length and placed into roll off boxes to be hauled off for recycling. The recycling crew has processed 1/5 of the current metal stockpile, but more metal will be recovered with the demolition of the south portion of the building.
Soil Contaminant Characterization
- Soil sampling is 75 percent complete.
- 50 percent of analytical data has been received.
- Preliminary data to date indicates 8 grids will need further consideration.
Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal
- Solids are being transferred out of Cyanide laden vats and placed into lined roll off boxes. Boxes will be sampled prior to disposal.
- Liquids are profiled and bulked. Disposal is pending.
Ponds/Surface Impoundments
- The two surface impoundments have been dewatered. One of two ponds is currently being dewatered via water truck.
- Assess and remove concrete foundation and soils as needed.
- Determine if there are buried items on-site.
- Close out two surface impoundments and two ponds.
- Sample groundwater wells.
None.
The southern portion of the existing, larger building will be demolished. A structural engineer recommended that the building be demolished or have permanent bracing installed. Bracing is not a viable option due to vandelism and cost.
Water from the surface impoundments and ponds is being used for dust suppression on-site. Water was sampled prior to application.
SESD assessed the site for buried items on-site. Preliminary data show that there are 3 possible areas of concern. ERRS will excavate these areas in the near future to determine if there are buried items.
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