On July 14, 2023, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) responded to a report of a chemical fire at 1919 South
Sand Hill Road in Burrton, Kansas. EPA On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) found a
smoldering pit containing at least 50 burned containers. EPA monitored the air in real-time and
identified volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the smoke plume. However,
VOCs were not detected at elevated levels away from the burn
pit, indicating widespread impacts were not present at that time. Additionally,
an estimated 577 unburned containers were staged near the burn pit. EPA oversaw response actions conducted
by the Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) to stabilize the incident and
relocate the containers into an on-site storage building.
On August 18, 2023, EPA and the PRP
entered into a settlement agreement obligating the PRP to conduct assessment
and cleanup actions at the site. Under this settlement agreement, the PRP will
assess and dispose of the remaining containers; assess and clean up soil in and
around the burn pit; and assess and remediate (if necessary) drinking water
wells in the area. All of these activities will be done under EPA oversight.
Removal action field activities were conducted from November 2023 thru March 2024. Removal activities included the excavation and proper disposal of burnt materials and impacted soil from the burn pit. A total of 62.84 tons of soil/material was excavated from the burn pit and transported to Plumb Thicket Landfill in Harper County, Kansas, for proper disposal. The soil and burnt material was sampled for characterization purposes prior to disposal. Post-excavation soil samples were collected from the burn pit and confirmed contaminants of concern were below established EPA Removal Management Levels (RML). The burn pit was backfilled and regraded following receipt and evaluation of the post-excavation sample results. The 577 containers of waste nail polish that were secured and staged at the site following the initial response, were overpacked and transported to Safety Kleen in Smithfield, Kentucky, for proper disposal. Additionally, seven drinking water wells located within 0.5 mile of the burn pit were sampled to determine impacts that could be associated with the site. Sample results determined contaminants of concern were below established EPA RMLs. All site activities were completed on March 6, 2024.
On April 25, 2024, the Final Report was submitted to EPA for review. EPA provided comments on May 8, 2024, and a revised Final Report was submitted to EPA on May 20, 2024. On May 21, 2024, the EPA transmitted a letter to the PRPR, documenting approval of the Final Report and completion of the ASAOC, excluding continuing obligations. There are no additional removal activities planned to be conducted by EPA.
