Biological Processors of Alabama located in Decatur, Alabama was referred to the Emergency Response and Removal Branch by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). BPA is a centralized waste treatment facility that collected, treated and discharged wastes to the Decatur Waste Water Treatment Plant. Wastes reportedly exceeded the limitations established by the Decatur WWTP and discharging was halted. ADEM placed an order on the facility following the violations reported by the Decatur WWTP. Attempts to contact the property owners and operators have been unsuccessful.
ADEM representatives reported a large hole in the fence surrounding the facility. The surrounding area is mostly commercial. The Site is unsecured and fully accessible to trespassers.
The facility reportedly accepted wastes from facilities throughout northern Alabama. The facility utilized oil/water separators, precipitation of wastes and neutralization in preparation for discharging to the Decatur Waste Water Treatment Plant.
On January 20, 2009 OSC Subash Patel visited the Site with Tom Milford from Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Upon arrival the OSC observed a gaping hole in the fence which could enable trespassers to easily access the property.
The facility has approximately 8-10 above ground storage tanks, 30 frac tanks, several large totes and 55-gallon drums, and several waste containment bags. Many of the vertical tanks are open to the environment with minimal freeboard. The secondary containment areas throughout the Site are overflowing with liquids. There is evidence of staining inside the facility and throughout the property. The OSC observed oil stains on the ground and caustic labels on some of the containers.
In addition to the bulk storage containers, there is a lab containing several dozen smaller chemical containers.
Emergency response phase will include site stabilization and security. Once the Site is stabilized, a removal site evaluation will determine whether the Site will transition into a time-critical removal action.
OSC Steve Spurlin will be initiating an emergency response on January 21, 2009 in order to stabilize and secure the Site.
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