In response to NRC# 876917, and at the request of ADEM, OSC Sims and START responded to incident in Tuscaloosa, AL involving the release of 10,000 gallons of liquid rosin (Tall Oil), from a breached holding pond. The pond is located at an abandonned asphalt recycling plant. The Tall Oil release migrated off site and flowed toward the Black Warrior River (approximately 200 yards from the breached earthern containment).
Arrived at Site and met with ADEM Bruce Freeman. Conducted reconnaissance of Site and surrounding areas. Observed the following:
*Two holding ponds of earthern construction (each measuring approximately 30-40 yards radius). Depth unknown.
*Breach of earthern containment at two areas. Both areas located east side of facility.
*Substance appears dark brown to yellow, very viscous with moderate odor (similar to pulp processing).
*Substance pooling at west and east side of rail line. East side pooling at line is via culvert beneath tracks.
*Substance flowing in direction of Black Warrior River, located approximately 200-300 yards west of breach. No impact to river or wildlife observed during reconnaissance.
*8-10 ASTs and 20-30 drums in advanced stages of degradation with varying volumes/types of subsances.
*Soil/floor staining (white, brown and black0 throughout facility grounds.
*Site has unrestricted access.
Spoke with RP in regard to incident. RP states ETC out of Gainesville, AL contracted to perform cleanup. RP does not provide specific timeframe for ETC to conduct cleanup.
Verbal authorization given via telephone call with RP to access site to conduct sampling of substance at breach and throughout facility surrounding discarded containers. Access authorization and NOFI forwarded to RP via fax for signature.
START is scheduled to begin sampling on 7/15/2008 to definitively identify substance(s) migrating from Site toward Black Warrior River as well as other substances observed on site during the initial reconnaissance. Rosin-like substance has viscosity similar to tar.
Site has been out of operation since mid-late 1950s.
Site is located on main surfaceway with unrestricted access to facility/hazards.
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