See Initial POLREP
EPA is overseeing a removal action being performed by the PRP under an Agreed Order on Consent. The final work plan for building decontamination and tailings removal was approved on 11/7/02. On 11/7/02, the PRP began removing the tailings from the lower tailings pond for disposal as criteria waste at the East Wenatchee landfill.
On 11/10/02 the START collected twelve background surface soil samples in order to determine background concentrations of lead, arsenic, and other site metal contaminants. These values may be used to establish alternative soil cleanup levels for the lower tailings pond and other areas of soil contamination because the area of the mill has naturally high concentrations of several metals, including arsenic. The cleanup levels will be determined by the START as part of the preparation of the SAP/QAPP.
See Initial POLREP for overall removal strategy.
For this time period, a single truck and trailer load of Mill Pond tailings were excavated and transported to the East Wenatchee landfill on 11/8/02. The landfill does not operate during the weekends. Thus, limiting off site transport to Monday through Friday (6am-6pm).
The excavation contractor will continue to transport Mill Pond tailings to the East Wenatchee landfill. He plans on adding an additional truck and trailer and making two trips per truck per day, for a total of four loads a day.
The Vacuum truck is expected on site 11/11/02 and to begin operations that afternoon. They will start at the top (coarse ore bin) and work their way down the facility.
Following completion of structure decontamination and removal of tailings from the lower tailings pond, confirmation samplings will be performed in accordance with a QAPP/SAP currently being prepared by the START. Upon satisfactory completion of decontamination and tailings/soil removal efforts, the mill structures will be demolished, and disturbed areas will be graded and seeded with native vegetation.
Progress of planned removal activities has been somewhat hindered by late and incomplete submissions by the PRP. These and other possible delays, including those caused by weather, could slow the progress of the removal action.
Due to PRP delay, EPA/START will be preparing the SQAP and the State Histroic/Preservation Report.
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