FMC manufactured elemental phosphorus from the late 1940s until December 2001. Since 2001, FMC has decommissioned and dismantled the manufacturing plant and closed waste ponds. RCRA closed Pond 16S covers an area of approximately 10.2 acres and contains approximately 140 acre feet of phosphorus containing waste from the elemental phosphorus manufacturing process.
In June 2006, visible air emissions were observed coming from the temperature monitoring ports (TMPs) at Pond 16S. Air emissions were subsequently observed by Shoshone Bannock Tribal staff in September, 2006. These were thought to be emissions of phosphorus pentoxide, from the auto-ignition of phosphine gas. FMC reported that phosphine gas had collecting in TMP will casings, where it was auto-igniting. The auto-ignition concentration of phosphine is 20,000 parts per million (ppm). The concentration of phosphine gas that is immediately dangerous to life and health is 50 ppm. In November 2006, the EPA On-Scene Coordinator and START contractor conducted removal site assessment activities at Pond 16S. Additional, follow-up air sampling was conducted by EPA and START contractor in December, 2006. Air samples were collected of ambient air in the vicinity of Pond 16S, as well as from a TMP. Analytical results showed phosphine concentrations up to 360 ppm from the TMP. Additionally, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide gasses were detected at significant concentrations. In ambient air, hydrogen sulfide was detected at low levels; phosphine and hydrogen cyanide were not detected in ambient air.
In December 2006, EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order under CERLCA, requiring FMC to characterize gas generation under the cap, conduct ambient air monitoring, and design, construct and operate a gas extraction and treatment system capable of drawing down gas concentrations under the cap to safe levels. The scope of work was subsequently modified to also require FMC to implement an interim gas extraction and treatment system until the larger system can be designed and built.
