SITUATION (Wednesday, November 13th, 2002)
A. On September 26, 20002, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) employees (Inspector Scott McCurley and Geologist Ken Carter) responded to the above referenced site in response to a report of oil seeping into the Patapsco River. The river was accessed near the end of Daniels Road and was followed downstream approximately 200 yards past the railroad bridge where a sheen was observed off the right (as facing downstream) bank. Further investigation revealed oil 'seeping' from the bank along an area at least 50 feet in length (e.g. As the soil along the water's edge was disturbed, both a sheen and globules of oil would float to the surface). Holes were dug along the river bank and heavy fuel was encountered ~6 inches below grade (A sample of this saturated soil was retrieved and placed in a plastic bag. A sample of the oil globules was placed in a glass jar). MDE placed four 10 ft sections of oil-sorbent boom along the edge of the river and contacted MDE Emergency Response Division (ERD). ERD arrived on scene with 100 ft of sorbent sweep and recommended that in light of the weather forecast for heavy rains, that the booms be removed and placed higher up on the bank and that the sweep not be deployed until after the rains. At the end of Daniels road, MDE observed what appeared to be an old industrial property (2020 Daniels Road). The property was entered and the owner of the property was found. The owner of the property stated that he and his wife and son run a mulching business (Mulch Factory) on the front of the property and that he leases some of the buildings to several other small businesses. The property borders the Patapsco River and the area of contamination corresponds with the back of this property where several old and several partially demolished buildings are located. These buildings appear to be the remnants of some industrial operation. The property was briefly investigated for possible sources, however, due to the heavy rains, the investigation was limited.
B. MDE returned to the Site on Sept 30th, 2002. Multiple holes were dug along the river bank ~2-3 ft off the edge of the water and ~6-10 in deep. Possible limit of oil contamination established via this method (e.g. waiting for the hole to fill with water and observing whether oil globules or sheen appeared). Possible breadth of contamination ~75 ft. MDE inspected the opposite bank of the river with the same method. No evidence of oil observed. Opposite bank appeared to be heavily forested parkland. Using a shovel, a ~2-3 ft hole was dug in the side of the bank ~8ft from the rivers edge. No evidence of petroleum product was observed in the excavated soils. The immediate area up on the 2020 Daniels Road property corresponding with the oil contamination was inspected. No evidence of a UST or likely source was observed at this time.
C. MDE spoke with the current owner and was provided with the following ownership history based on his (owner's) memory. CD Daniels operated the property until selling it in 1972. The new owner used it for storing grain. It was again sold to two brother's who ran a roof trussing operation. This business went under and the property was picked up by the lending "Building and Loan" from which the present owner purchased the property in 1982. The present owner stated that he has owned the property since that time.
D. On October 17th, 2002, MDE returned to the Site to determine the condition of the deployed sweep following heavy rains on October 16th. The sweep was found to be in place but completely submerged as the river was running ~2-3 ft higher-up the bank then previously observed. The sweep was removed from the property. A new sweep was not deployed due to the height and heavy flow of the river. Neither a sheen nor glubules of petroleum were observed. MDE Scott McCurley walked more of the property and observed several large pools of water amidst the piles of mulch. No sheen or oil were observed on the pools except in one case. This pool of water had collected beneath a large mulch grinder. Free-phase petroleum product was observed on this pool of water. A sorbent pad was spread on the water and it absorbed the product. It was fairly clear (did not appear weathered) and smelled of new motor oil or hydraulic fluid. The owners were shown the area of concern. They agreed to clean the spill and provide disposal manifests for the recovered petroleum product and any sorbent materials used in the process.
E. On October 17th, 2002, MDE (Mick Butler) contacted Emergency Response Section Chief Charlie Kleeman and requested an On-Scene Coordinator to go to Site and provide technical and funding advise.
A. On October 21st, 2002, On-Scene Coordinator Bob Kelly traveled to Site and met with MDE Inspector Scott McCurley and was updated on the site and case history.
B. OSC Kelly observed, along with Mr. McCurley, that the river was low and moving slowly. There was seeping occurring and it was determined that a new 100 foot sweep be placed around the effected area.
C. OSC Kelly discussed with Mr. McCurley funding issues, specifically how the State could access Coast Guard funding to address the investigation and cleanup of the oil in the river and on the property. Also discussed were approaches with regard to initial containment and abatement efforts on the river.
D. Mr. McCurley was given documentation on how the State can access Coast Guard funding and told OSC Kelly that he would discuss how the State would proceed with cleaning up the Site.
E. On this date, November 13th, 2002, OSC Kelly contacted Mr. McCurley and asked what the MDE decided on cleaning up the Site. Mr. McCurley stated to OSC Kelly that the MDE sent out Notice of Discovery to six different previous owners that were discovered during a title search back to 1941 and received correspondence back from CR Daniels that they have no knowledge of any oil tanks on the property.
F. MDE has decided to take the lead on the cleanup of the Site and initiate an investigation to find the source of the leak and start cleanup of the Site as soon as possible. OSC questioned MDE Mick Butler about the State seeking reimbursement from the Coast Guard and was told that MDE did not know at this time that they would until they have conducted their investigation on Responsible Parties (RPs) and determined how much the cleanup will cost.
No planned removal activities at this time.
A. At this time, the State feels that EPA assistance is not necessary but should the cost of the cleanup be high and there is no RP found, MDE would request that EPA provide assistance in the cleanup.
Oil being released on a daily basis to the Patapsco River
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