EPA Region 4 On Scene Coordinator initiated an emergency response action at the Crowders Mountain State Park after discovering numerous abandoned drums during a Removal Site Evaluation. Orphaned drums, containing product, are scattered about the site. Drums are in poor, dilapidated condition, unidentifiable or without legible makings. Located on the two-acre site are several open excavation pits and three stockpiles of soil/crushed drums & debris with contamination that tested as RCRA Hazardous or above TCLP concentrations for lead and VOCs.
Residential properties and a creek border the site. The OSC documented that erosion and sedimentation countermeasures are not in place. Organic vapors were identified in the ambient air throughout site. Source contamination was tentatively identified as miscellaneous paint/lacquers/organic solvents.
ERRS and START contractors were mobilized on 9/16/09 to support the response efforts.
ERRS sampled three stockpiles that are part of the original site configuration constucted by NCDENR contractors in preparation for disposal. The removal contractor for NCDENR, A&D Environmental, shipped off-site for disposal one tote and 11 overpacked drums that were previously manifested for disposal under the state contracted removal action. START continues air-monitoring and identifying additional burial areas. ERRS continues to recover drum carcasses and contaminated soil and stockpiling the materials. ERRS & START are conducting work in Level-C protection in proximity to the excavation zones.
Due to space restrictions and the discovery of additional veins of burried drums, the OSC has directed ERRS to temporarily postpone soil excavation/ drum recovery activities pending removal of the three stockpiles and a thurough geophysical assessment of the site.
START is preparing to conduct sampling of the drinking water wells in the vicinity of the site. The OSC is consulting with the Environmental Response Team (ERT) on the future approach to removal of the remaining veins of buried drums. SESD will conduct a geophysical survey of the site.
|
