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The Site has not been defined as a specific delineated area, but is considered to include the Town of Chauncey. The Site's major locations of interest include the following areas: the unnamed hollow containing Miller's Branch of Island Creek; Chaffin Hollow; Chauncey’s residences; the old mining salvage recycling facility and surrounding grounds; Omar Elementary School, including the playground area, and the UPS facility; and Island Creek.
Portions of the Site have been identified by local residents as the locations for illegal dumping of hazardous materials and the possibility of dumping of transformer oil.
OSC Kelly and START mobilized to Omar Elementary School, located on Route 44 South, in Chauncey, WV, and met with a local resident. The resident escorted OSC Kelly and START to the location of Chaffin Hollow, which is located at the end of the street of the resident’s home, Chauncey Alley. OSC Kelly and START spoke to additional residents in the area and received information from them about dumping that occurred in a gas well located in the hollow during November, 1987. The residents informed OSC Kelly that men in hazardous material clothing were observed at the well and they were reported to have dumped materials into the well. The residents stated that people have witnessed this occurrence and that they have been threatened by the workers at the well.
OSC Kelly and START attempted to walk up towards the hollow, but the road was covered with ice and snow and a gate was present at the entrance to the hollow. OSC Kelly determined that sampling could not occur at this time due to heavy snow cover on the Site and Site access restrictions. START photo documented the entrance and road leading into the hollow.
OSC Kelly informed the resident who made the complaint that EPA will return in the warmer weather, when the snow has melted, to further investigate the Site.
START conducted written and photo documentation of all Site activities.
OSC Kelly and START will return in the warmer weather to further investigate the hollow and to conduct a sampling assessment, if necessary.
OSC Kelly will continue correspondence with federal and state officials.
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