The HoltraChem Site (also known as Acme Alkali) is comprised of approximately 24 acres and is located at 636 John L. Riegel Road in Riegelwood, Columbus County, North Carolina. It is surrounded on three sides by International Paper (IP), which is comprised of approximately 1,500 acres. Both HoltraChem and IP border the Cape Fear River. The surrounding area is a mixture of industrial, residential and commercial uses.
The area subject to this removal action includes neighboring IP’s North Bay treatment pond, also known as Cell #2. IP formerly accepted process water generated during chlorine production from the Holtra Chem facility. HoltraChem operated as a chlor-alkali facility using the mercury cell process from 1963 to 1999, when facility operations ceased. HoltraChem was originally constructed to provide chlorine gas, caustic soda, and bleach to the IP facility. Process water from the former HoltraChem facility was reportedly discharged to the northwest corner of Cell #2 via a 16-inch diameter, corrugated galvanized steel pipe from approximately 1963 to the late 1970s or early 1980s.
A time-critical removal action was conducted at the HoltraChem Site during 2003 – 2004, during which containerized hazardous waste and the former cell building were removed. In 2004, an Engineering Evaluation / Cost Analysis (EE/CA) investigation began at the Site. During the EE/CA, the primary contaminants of concern were identified as mercury and PCB Aroclor 1268. Sampling conducted by IP identified PCB Aroclor 1268 at concentrations up to 5,100 mg/kg in Cell #2. PCB contamination extends to a depth of approximately 12 feet below the ground surface. PCB contamination has been found in the adjacent Cape Fear River sediments. IP needs to utilize Cell #2 for the expansion of their landfill sooner than the EE/CA will be completed. Therefore, a Time-Critical Removal Action is being taken to excavate the contaminated Wastewater Treatment Solids (WWTS) from Cell #2 and place the WWTS with concentrations exceeding 50 mg/kg in temporary storage on the HoltraChem Site until the final cleanup plan is selected for HoltraChem. The estimated volume of this material was 6,500 cubic yards. The cleanup goal for this removal action is 11 mg/kg based on the Human Health Risk Assessment for the Holtra Chem Site. WWTS with concentrations between 11 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg will also be excavated, but will be placed in IP’s landfill Cell #1. The estimated volume WWTS with PCB concentrations between 1 mg/kg and 49 mg/kg was 93,500 cubic yards.
The Enforcement Action Memorandum for this time-critical removal action was signed on May 13, 2008. The Effective Date of the Administrative Order on Consent for this removal action was May 20, 2008.
Activities conducted by the PRPs' contractors during this reporting period, January 11-17, 2009, included:
* Completed removal of settling ponds material. Approximately 492 cubic yards of material was transported to Engineered Stockpile #2.
* Collected the remaining confirmation sample at the grid node beneath the settling pond (G-12). The result was less than the detection limit of 0.19 mg/kg of Aroclor 1268.
* Continued completing the Pre-Final Inspection findings and prepared for site demobilization, including decontamination/wipe sampling of equipment. Analytical results were received for the wipe samples that were collected following decontamination of the Godwin 4” high pressure pump, two water treatment system headers, three carbon vessels, the treatment system hard pipe, and a vacuum truck. The analytical results were less than the decontamination goal of 10 ug/wipe.
* Final inspection of the site was conducted by representatives from IP, Honeywell, EPA, NCDENR, CH2M HILL, and URS.
* Prepared Engineered Stockpile #2 liner for sealing by EFI (liner contractor).
Activities planned for the next reporting period, January 18-24, 2009, include:
* Complete sealing of Engineered Stockpile #2 liner.
* Continue completing the Pre-Final Inspection findings and prepare for site demobilization, including decontamination/wipe sampling of equipment.
* Demobilize from the site.
The schedule for the completion of the removal activities indicates demobilization is still planned for January 23, 2009. EPA and NCDENR will visit the Site on January 28, 2009, to inspect the sealed liner. The draft report of the removal action is scheduled to be submitted to EPA and NCDENR within 30 days of demobilization.
|
