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Economy Plating Inc. (Chicago)

All POLREP's for this site Economy Plating Inc. (Chicago)
Chicago, IL - EPA Region V
POLREP #6 - Cleanup Inside Building Completed
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On-Scene Coordinator - Ramon Mendoza, On-Scene Coordinator 11/30/2009
Time-Critical - Removal Action Pollution Report (POLREP) #6
Start Date: 8/31/2009
Pollution Report (POLREP) #6
Site Description
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 signs put up to discourage trespassing.  This completed Phase I of the cleanup.

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. Phase II of the cleanup is defined as the removal of hazardous substances/material inside the building to the extent practical.  


Current Activities
On-site work to remove hazardous substances inside the building has been completed to the extent practical.   Site was secured and EPA personnel have temporarily demobilized from the site. 32nd Ward Alderman’s Office and Chicago DOE representatives were notified by phone.  The  following activities were completed during this period 10/22 to 11/19/2009:
- Cleanup in the main plating shop and old plating shop areas have been completed.  Work involved removal and cleaning of metal vats, and removal of solid and hazardous debris and sludge.  Pit walls and floors were power-washed.
- Controls to block exposure pathways from building’s contaminated outside walls to surrounding residents have been installed including epoxy sealant, plywood boards, and metal fencing.
- EPA initiated discussions with the City of Chicago regarding the feasibility of demolishing/disposing  the building.
- Accessible windows and doors have been boarded up and locked and back parking lot fenced off  to deter trespassers.
- Signs have been posted to deter people from touching contaminated walls and to deter trespasses.  
- An additional 16.455 tons of scrap metal (Total 17.555 tons) was recovered, decontaminated, and recycled resulting in about $2,240 savings to the cleanup.
- An additional 25 cubic yards of hazardous waste (solid, Chromium) was collected disposed.  (total of 55 cubic yards).
- An additional 128 Drums of Chromium contaminated hazardous waste were packed, staged and shipped offsite this period (total is 223 Drums). The drums contained chromic acid solution, chromic acid solid flakes, Waste codes include D007, D010,D008, D004, D002, D006.
- 26 drums of miscellaneous hazard substances including cyanide, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide, mercury (switches), PCB light ballast, fluorescent lamps, and flammables were collected and disposed.
- A total of 160 cubic yards of solid waste was removed and disposed for the purpose of clearing work areas (H&S) and fire safety.
- Samples were collected and results indicate that there is contaminated soil beneath the main plating shop pit.



Planned Removal Actions
- Conduct planning activities with City of Chicago to determine the steps necessary to demolish and dispose of the building to removed health risk to the community.  The Goal is to implement demolition and disposal by Spring 2010.
- Maintain Site controls to prevent exposure of hazardous substances to the community and prevent trespassing.


Next Steps
- Conduct weekly inspections of the Site to ensure that controls (epoxy sealant, boards, fencing, locks), and boarded up doors/windows remain in place and intact and repair/replace as necessary.

- Conduct community relations activities as needed to keep community informed and local authorities.

- Continue work with the City of Chicago and EPA enforcement team to pursue demolition alternative.

-  Scope out and draft a Demolition/Disposal Work Plan



Key Issues
Site is closely surrounded by residents and businesses. Close coordinated is needed with local authorities and community to ensure success with the removal action.

Hexavelant chromium contamination on the outside walls of the building presents an unacceptable long-term health risk to residents.


 
Disposition Of Wastes
Waste Stream:  RQ, Waste Cyanides, Inorganic, Solid, n.o.s.   (Sodium Cyanide), 6.1,UN1588, PGII, (F008)
Quantity: Two Drums
Manifest #:  001344657 FLE
Disposal Facility: Envirite of IL. Harvey IL.


Waste Stream Quantity Manifest # Disposal Facility
Class A non-hazardous waste Empty containers 20 cubic yards 006038438JJK Countryside Landfill
Grayslake, IL
Class A non-hazardous waste Empty containers 30 cubic yards 006038462JJK Countryside Landfill
Grayslake, IL
Class A non-hazardous waste Empty containers 30 cubic yards 006038461JJK Countryside Landfill
Grayslake, IL
Class A non-hazardous waste Empty containers 30 Cubic yards 006038460JJK Countryside Landfill
Grayslake, IL
RQ, Hazardous Waste Solid n.o.s. (Chromium). 9, NA3077, D007 30 cubic yards 002500713FLE Envirite of Illinois
Harvey, IL
Chromic acid solution, D002,D004, D006, D007, D008, D010 21 Drums 002500727FLE Envirite of Illinois
Harvey, IL
Chromium Waste Solids, D007 3 Drums 002500727FLE Envirite of Illinois
Harvey, IL
Chromic acid Solution,D002, D004, D006, D007, D008, D010 18 Drums 002500728FLE Envirite of Illinois
Harvey, IL
Chromium Waste Solids, D007 12 Drums 002500728FLE Envirite of Illinois
Harvey, IL
Chromic acid Solution,D002, D004, D006, D007, D008, D010 27 Drums 002500729FLE Envirite of Illinois
Harvey, IL
Chromium Waste Solids, D007 14 002500729FLE Envirite of Illinois
Harvey, IL
Class A non-hazardous waste Empty containers 20 cubic yards 006038459JJK Countryside Landfill
Grayslake, IL
RQ,Waste Chromic acid solution, 23 Drums 002500730FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), (D007
2 Drums overpack 002500730FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, PG III (D007)
16 Drums 002500730FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Waste Nitric acid (other than red fuming
with not more than 70% Nitric Acid), 8,
UN2031, PG II
1 Drum Overpack 002828221FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Waste Corrosive Liquid, Acidic,
Inorganic, n.o.s. (Hydrochloric, Sulfuric), 8,
UN3264, PG III (D002)
1 Drum Overpack 002828221FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Waste Corrosive Liquid, Basic, Inorganic,(Sodium Hydroxide), 8, UN3266, PG III
(D002)
2 Drums overpack 002828221FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Waste Chromic acid solution, 8,
UN1755, PG II (Chromium)
20 Drums 002828222FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, PG III (D007)
11 Drums 002828222FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, PG III (D007)
1 drum overpack 002828222FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, D007
25 cubic yards 002500897FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Waste Chromic acid solution, 8,
UN1755, PG II (Chromium
27 Drums 002828224FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, PG III (D007)
10 Drums 002828224FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, PG III (D007)
2 Drums Overpack, 400 pounds 002828224FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
UN1993, Waste Flammable Liquids, n.o.s., 3,
II
1 drum overpack , 120 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN1950, Waste Aerosols, Flammable, 2.1 1 drum overpack, 50 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN281, Waste Toxic Liquid, Organic, n.o.s.,
6.1, III
1 drum overpack, 55 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
Non‐hazardous Liquid (Latex 1 drum overpack, 90 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN2789, Waste acetic acid, Glacial, 8 (3), II 1 drum overpack, 35 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN1823, Waste sodium ydroxide, Solid, 8, III 1 overpack drum, 50 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN3139, Waste Oxidizing Liquid, n.o.s., 5.1, II 1 drum overpack, 8 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN2364, Waste corrosive liquid, acidic,
inorganic, n.o.s., 8, II
1 drum overpack, 10 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN2478, Waste isocyanate solution,
flammable, n.o.s., 3 (6.1), II
1 drum overpack, 5 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
UN2735, Waste amines, liquid, corrosive,
n.o.s., 8, III
1 drum overpack, 5 pounds 001594315FLE Chemtron Corp;  Avon, OH
Mercury contained in manufactured articles,
8, UN2809, PGIII, Universal Waste Electrical
Devices
1 drum overpack, 5 pounds 20026 Clean Lites; Mason,
MI
Non‐RCRA, Non‐DOT Regulated Material Per
40 CFR 761.b.2(i) (PCB) Light Ballast
1 drum overpack, 50 pounds 20026 Clean Lites; Mason,
MI
Universal Waste Electric Lamps (85 4‐ft
fluorescent, 127 8‐ft fluorescent, 7 HID)
5 drum overpacks, 220 pounds 20026 Clean Lites; Mason,
MI
RQ, Waste flammable liquids, n.o.s.,
(Mineral spirits, kerosene, gasoline), 3,
UN1993, PGII (D001)
3 drum overpacks, 165 gallons 002828235FLE Safety Kleen Systems, Inc.;  Dolton, IL
RQ, Waste Chromic acid solution, 8,
UN1755, PG II (Chromium)
6 drum overpacks, 330 gallons 002828237FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, PG III (D007)
8 drums, 3200 pounds 002828237FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
RQ, Hazardous waste, solid, n.o.s.
(Chromium), 9, NA3077, PG III (D007)
2 drum overpacks, 800 pounds 002828237FLE Envirite of Illinois,  Harley, IL
Class A non‐hazardous special waste Profile
# 107827IL, Empty Containers
1 container, 30 cubic yards 006038439JJK Countryside Landfill, Grayslake, IL