During the evening of 8/20/09, EPA received a request for assistance from the GADENR regarding an abandoned drum in Augusta, GA. The drum was discovered at an abandoned residential property by Richmond County Code Enforcement. The drum was reported to be full and in poor condition. On 8/21/09, EPA contacted the Augusta Fire Department. The Augusta Fire Department was unable to respond. Markings on the drum in pictures provided by GADENR indicated the presence of pesticides (toxic). To ascertain whether the drum posed a hazard to the surrounding community, R2 Stilman and START dispatched.
EPA OSC Stilman and Tetra Tech mobilized to the scene at first light on 08/22/09. Upon arrival, the drum was found in a clearing behind a shed, and adjacent to several residential properties.
An investigation of the drum showed additional labeling not legible in the original photos from EPD. These markings read “Wear mask or respirator approved...for parathion protection....This product is a strong cholinesterase inhibitor....” Based on these labels, it was assumed the drum once held the organophosphate pesticide parathion. Using level B ppe, START and OSC Stilman collected a sample of the contents and performed field hazcat analysis tests to confirm or deny the presence of a hazard.
Air monitoring using a Multi-RAE 5-gas meter and an AP2Ce did not show any noticeable results while opening the drum and collecting the sample. There was a very thin layer of oil on top of the liquid in the drum.
HAZCAT analysis revealed no significant findings using general chemistry methods. A positive indication of very low concentrations of an organophosphate was found using the AP2Ce.
While the property was vacant, adjacent neighbors indicated the property was routinely maintained.
Given the presumed low pesticide concentrations in the drum and an existing property owner, the Site was referred to GA DNR for follow-up with Richmond County Code Enforcement.
OSC Stilman and START also met with the Richmond County (Augusta) Fire Department to review the HAZCAT results.
On 08/24/2009, OSC Stilman discussed the results with GA DNR Vincent Scott. EPA will forward all HAZCAT results and owner information for GA DNR follow-up.
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