On September 25, 2024, the EPA received notification from
the National Response Center regarding abandoned 55-gallon steel drums near
Flat Rock Creek in Tulsa, Oklahoma. EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE)
of three dump locations at 4223 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Tulsa, OK, from
September 28, 2024, to October 25, 2024.
During the RSE, EPA conducted an inventory of 109 drums and performed
Hazard Categorization (HAZCAT) of the substances in the drums. Any leaking
drums were placed into overpacks and relocated into secondary containment. The
drums were then covered and contained with poly and tarps to prevent rainwater,
and orange construction fencing and caution tape was placed around the dump
areas and secondary containment to warn off passersby. EPA continued to visit the site at least two
times a week to maintain secondary containment, with more frequent visits
occurring during inclement weather.
From the HAZCAT results, EPA determined that of the 103
drums, 42 contained substances that were non-hazardous. The contents of 61
drums exhibited characteristics of hazardous substances.
On April 29, 2025, EPA authorized an Action Memorandum for a
time-critical removal action (TCRA) to install a gate system at both entry
points to prevent future dumping at the site, as well as remove and dispose of
the 109 drums and contaminated soil.
On June 23, 2025, EPA mobilized to the site to begin the TCRA. It is expected that by July 12, 2025, the gate systems will be
installed, all drums will be overpacked and secured in locked storage containers,
and contaminated soils will be secured in roll-off containers awaiting
disposal pick-up .
Transportation and disposal of the overpacked drums is anticipated to
occur by the end of August 2025.
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