The 61-77 Sherer Street Site (Site) is located in a mixed commercial, industrial and residential area of Rochester, Monroe County, New York.  The Site is a former bronze and aluminum foundry that ceased operations and was believed to have been abandoned within the last two years.   It consists of an abandoned building with a fenced yard along its southern side.  The building is a one-story brick and cinder block structure covering approximately 23,000 square feet.  The yard contains several rusted, dilapidated sheds; several abandoned drums; a dust collection device connected to air exhaust vents on the roof; and a residential structure formerly used by the company.  The ground surface in the yard is mostly covered with stone.  County tax maps indicate that three vacant lots on the north side of the building are part of the Site.  In total, the property associated with the Site occupies 1.5 acres. 

The Site is bordered in all directions by commercial and industrial facilities, except to the southwest, where a residential neighborhood begins.  The closest residence is directly adjacent to the southwest corner of the Site.  Residential neighborhoods are also present approximately 625 feet east of the Site, just past a freight rail line, and within 200 feet west of the Site.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The building has reportedly been repeatedly vandalized in the past.  The property is currently on the city’s tax foreclosure list.  The NYSDEC and the City of Rochester secured the building in October of this year under local authority since the owner could not be located.  It was reported that there were drums and containers of chemicals scattered throughout the building.  The labels and markings on these containers indicated waste oils, thinners, lacquers, and solvents.  It was also reported that there were piles of metal shavings and metallic powders, a pit with standing liquids, and areas of stained soils outside of the building.  Persons entering the yard and the building could be exposed to these unknown containerized chemicals and metallic powders.  The presence of flammable chemicals and extensive combustible material strewn throughout the building interior poses a potential fire threat.

Monroe County officials indicated that once abandoned, the building was initially open for a long period of time with people entering freely to remove items of value.  Since the building has been secured, and most items of obvious value have been removed, there reportedly have been fewer issues.  However, there are reports that the local fire officials have responded frequently to this street due to reports of arson and vandalization.  The Site building has multiple entry points (doors and windows) on all sides that could be entered with some effort.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

A site entry was conducted during the week of November 2, 2010 after the owner had verbally consented to EPA accessing the Site and conducting any necessary work.  The NYSDEC was present to open the locked fence gate and the door.  A hole was present in the fence that was previously repaired by the NYSDEC spill contractor. 

The OSC and RST entered the building in Level B.  Evidence of abandoned containers and piles of powders, dusts, and sand are present throughout.  The building appears to have been thoroughly ransacked.  Debris and combustible material are scattered throughout the structure.  No significant air monitoring readings (volatile organics and radiological) were identified in the ambient air within the building however, it was obvious that the solid material on the floor was easily made airborne.  Many of the containers are empty.  A few drums are also present in the outside yard.  Samples were collected for laboratory analysis from the various solid materials, some of the drums, and from standing liquid in a pit.  Hazcat testing conducted on some of the containers confirmed several flammable labels and indicated the potential presence of PCBs in some of the oils/waste oils.

On March 14, 2011, verbal authorization was obtained from the Deputy Division Director to initiate a removal action at the Site.  A total project ceiling of $400,000 was established, of which, $300,000 is for mitigation contracting.  A task order was issued on March 15 to Emergency and Rapid Response Service (ERRS) contractor, Kemron Environmental Services, Inc. (Kemron).

EPA met with Kemron at the Site on March 16 to conduct a Site walk and discuss the scope of work.  Kemron was tasked to:

• Secure all windows and doors to prevent trespassers and vandals from gaining access into the foundry.
• Repair the perimeter chain link fence.
• Gather drums and containers from exterior areas of the Site and stage the containers inside the foundry for later disposal.
• Containerize spilled solid wastes in exterior areas.
• Locate, inspect and consolidate drums and containers inside the foundry.
• Over-pack any drums and/or containers which are observed to be leaking or badly deteriorated.

During the Site walk, one doorway into the foundry was found to be unlocked.  At the request of EPA, Kemron secured the door immediately. 

On March 17, Kemron began making repairs to the perimeter fence and securing foundry windows.  Windows, which are currently largely intact, are being secured by placing chain link fencing over the windows, which is anchored into the brick/cinderblock wall.  Doors will be secured from the inside. 

March 18-19, 2011, Kemron continued working to repair perimeter fencing and securing foundry windows and doors. 

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

During a removal site evaluation conducted by EPA in November, 2010, a hole was observed in perimeter chain link fence.  As a result, NYSDEC mobilized their spill contractor to repair the fence.   

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

The current owner of record for the Site is RBA Realty LLC.  Rochester Bronze and Aluminum Foundry Co. operated at this location in the past.  EPA has located the property owner and obtained verbal permission to access the structure for purposes of conducting a removal assessment and any response action to mitigate the situation.  A search for additional PRPs is underway and will occur concurrently with removal activities.  A detailed summary of enforcement activities to date can be obtained through EPA's Office of Regional Counsel. 

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Not applicable.

On March 14, 2011, funding was authorized to initiate removal activities at the Site.  Removal activities will include: securing the foundry windows and doors; repairing or replacing sections of perimeter fencing; characterization and proper disposal of abandoned drums and containers; disposal of foundry process wastes present inside and outside the foundry.

Additional assessment may be required to determine what removal activities, if any, will be required to address threats associated with residual metals contamination inside and outside the foundry. 

ERRS contractors will continue to secure the windows and doors to the foundry.  Once the facility is secured, all drums and containers located in exterior areas and sheds will be moved inside the foundry.  Drums and containers already inside the foundry will be consolidated and evaluated.  Any containers found to be leaking or badly deteriorated will be over packed.

There are no outstanding issues at this time.