Economy Plating Inc. is an former plating shop which operated for approximately 70 years. The site was discovered vacant and abandoned by the Chicago Department of the Environment (DOE) in January 2009. DOE's inspection indicated the presence of numerous drums and containers which were filled with unknown liquids and solids. Markings on the drums/containers include chromic acid, hyrdrochloric acid, methyl acetate, and oxidizer. DOE ordered the owner/operator to clean up the site. However, the owner/operator was unable to pay for the cleanup. The site was referred to USEPA for cleanup in May 2009.
USEPA conducted a site assessment on June 5, 2009 and found evidence of breakins & trespassers plus holes in the building where weather can enter the facility. Approximately 195 containers(open & closed, 5 gallons and greater)plus 12 vats were found containing old chromic acid solutions, other acids, and unknown solids. Several containers were found to be leaking in the basement. Results received on June 12, 2009 indicated open containers of solids contained up to 350,000 mg/kg of total cyanide. An emergency removal action was conducted from June 13-17, 2009 which collected, packaged, and properly disposed two drums of the high level cyanide materials. In addition, 18 leaking containers were repacked and a drum of nitric acid was repacked. The building was resecured and signage put up to discourage trespassing.
An Action Memorandum to fund and authorize a time critical removal action was approved and signed on August 4, 2009. A site walk through was conducted on August 18, 2009 with EPA contractors and the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) . ERRS contractor acquired unpaid permit from the City to close sidewalk and street portion. OSC Mendoza notified the Chicago FD, Chicago DOE, and Alderman's office of upcoming work. A health and safety plan (HASP) was drafted for review, by EPA ERRS contractor on August 28, 2009
On-site time critical removal work started on August 31, 2009. The HASP and contingnecy plan was reviewed and approved by the EPA on August 31 and September 1 respectively. In addition, the following activities were completed during this period:
- Approved HASP and contingency plan emailed to DOE and CFD
- Installed fencing and signage to close sidewalk and part of the street.
- Cut up for disposal 84 RCRA empty drums.
- Building inspected by structural engineer for safety.
- Initiated staging of containers for Sampling and Identification.
- Collected for disposal 50 cubic yards of debris to clear work areas.
- Conducted additional inspections to locate hazardous susbtances.
- Collected samples of building walls to determine disposition and risk.
- Developed an air monitoring plan which includes the use of MultiRae and Rapid Assessment Tools (RAT) system.
- Acquired and installed electricity from utility company.
- Acquired and installed water supply for Site operations
- Set up Office /Command Post
- Conducted Community meeting to inform public of removal activities on Sept. 9. Attending were Chicago DOE, Alderman Waguespack, and about a dozen residents.
- Sample and analyze contents of all containers at the site, including drums, vats, tanks, piping, etc., to identify hazardous substances.
- Consolidate and package all hazardous substances and contaminants for proper transportation and disposal.
Investigate the potential for contamination of the building's walls and floors on the property.
- Dismantle and decontaminate equipment containing hazardous substances as necessary. Uncontaminated ferrous materials will be recycled.
- Take any action necessary to manage any release or threat of release of any hazardous substance that EPA determines may pose an imminent threat to public health or the environment.
- Continue disposal of solid waste debris to clear out work area.
- Continue staging of containers to facilitate hazardous substance identification.
- Initiate work to identify and categorize hazardous substances for the purpose of consolidation, packaging, transport, and disposal.
- Collect and recycle non-hazardous ferrous material for recycling. Money generated will be used to help pay for the cleanup.
- Conduct air monitoring to ensure safety of on-site workers and surrounding residents during daily operations.
Site is closely surrounded by residents and businesses. Close coordinated is needed with local authorities and community to ensure success with the removal action. Safety for onsite personnel and surrounding residents is number one priority.
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