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Old Pillsbury Mill

All POLREP's for this site Old Pillsbury Mill
Tilton, NH - EPA Region I
POLREP #3
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On-Scene Coordinator - Dan Wainberg 8/10/2004
Time-Critical - Removal Action Pollution Report (POLREP) #3
Start Date: 4/21/2004
Pollution Report (POLREP) #3
Site Description
The Site is located in a mixed residential and commercial area near the town center at 336 West Main Street, Tilton, New Hampshire.  The 1.94 acre site is identified as Parcels U06-03-00 and U06-04-00 by the Town of Tilton Tax Assessor.  The town is 20 miles north of Concord and encompasses an area that approaches 12 square miles.  Its population is approximately 3,477 with a population density of 308 inhabitants per square mile.

In 2001, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) conducted a Brownfields assessment to characterize the environmental conditions at the Site.  The investigation found ash remaining from the fire, and soil mixed with ash containing lead and barium in concentrations that make it a hazardous material.  This inactive Site is currently owned by the town of Tilton.
    
On 5 and 6 November of 2003, the EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) and EPA contractors conducted a Removal Program Preliminary Assessment/Site Investigation (PA/SI).

Based on the PA/SI findings and a file review, the OSC recommended a time critical removal action in a February 27, 2004 closure memorandum.
    
The contaminants of concern and their maximum concentrations are lead and barium detected during the PA/SI at concentrations up to 6,800ppm and 5,520ppm respectively.  
    
See POLREP #1 for additional background information.    


Current Activities
Since POLREP No. 2, the following work has been completed:

- During the weeks of 12 July and 19 July, excavation operations continued including relocating concrete and boulders to the upper portion of the site.  Approximately 100 tons of contaminated soil were shipped off-site for disposal.
- During the week of 26 July, soils were moved into the upper-staging area in preparation for shipment; exploratory test-pitting was conducted; additional erosion control measures were put in place; and the large concrete footer was dislodged, broken apart, and relocated to the upper portion of the site.  
- During the weeks of 2 August and 9 August, the heavy equipment was demobilized from the site while the START contractor conducted an extensive sampling event on the riverbank portion of the site to fully characterize the extent of contamination in this area.  



Next Steps
1) Complete the characterization of the riverbank area and develop and execute a soil removal plan for this area.
2) Meet with Town and Tilton Riverfront Park Committee representatives to discuss the next steps of the removal action.
3) Ship any contaminated soil that will be disposed off-site at a licensed facility.
4) Backfill, grade, and restore excavated areas to a physically safe condition.  


Key Issues
Heavy rains over the past month created some erosion and logistical challenges.  As a result, additional erosion control measures (siltation fencing) were put in place on the site.