Pollution/Situation Report Profile

S.Bent Furniture Co.
Gardner, MA - EPA Region I
POLREP #1

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
S.Bent Furniture Co. - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region I

Subject:

POLREP #1
S.Bent Furniture Co.

Gardner, MA
Latitude: 42.5569250 Longitude: -71.9860680

To:

From:

Allen Jarrell, OSC

Date:

10/5/2011

Reporting Period:

August 30 to October 7, 2011

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	01HJ	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:	7/28/2011
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Time-Critical
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Action
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	9/7/2011	Start Date:	8/30/2011
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:	MAN000106060	RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

1.1.2 Site Description

The Site is a building formerly used for the painting and varnishing of furniture produced by the S. Bent Furniture Company. The three-story building is in disrepair. A large section of roof is collapsed, and several sections of wood flooring and support beams are cracked or collapsed. There are significant indications of human habitation throughout the building. Structural engineers have identified areas of the building that are safe for personnel to work in.

1.1.2.1 Location

The Site is located at 60 Mill Street in Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts (MA). The geographic coordinates of the approximate center of the property are latitude 42° 33' 26.6" north and longitude 71° 59' 13.7" west. The site is located in a mixed residential and industrial area and is bordered to the south by Mill Street and commercial properties, to the east by Winter Street, and to the north and west by residential and commercial properties.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The building on site contains asbestos pipe wrap and tile, and numerous drums and containers.

The building is in disrepair and is not secured, therefore there is risk of exposure to asbestos and potentially hazardous materials used in furniture manufacturing.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

In 2008, a site investigation was conducted at the Site, on behalf of the State of Massachusetts. A total of 106 samples were collected for bulk asbestos analysis. The results indicated asbestos in block and air cell pipe insulation, roofing, flashing, caulk/gaskets, and floor and ceiling tile.

In January 2011, OSC Jarrell conducted a site investigation in the building. 15 samples were collected for bulk asbestos analysis. Asbestos was detected in 5 of the samples. In addition, A large number of paint and lacquers were observed in the building, and the building structure had further deteriorated.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative

A site walk was conducted on August 30, 2011. EPA and Emergency Rapid Response Services (ERRS) personnel walked through the building to identify potential friable asbestos material and determine potential structural hazards. Personnel noted a large number of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing light ballasts and fluorescent light bulbs, and a small number of mercury-containing thermostat switches.

On September 7 and 8, 2011, ERRS personnel mobilized a skid-steer, trailer, generator, and storage box to the site.

Site work began on September 14, 2011.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

Week of September 14, 2011

On September 14, 2011, OSC Allen Jarrell, the ERRS Response Manager (RM), and one START member mobilized to the site to begin removal action activities. Personnel observed that the building structure had deteriorated further since the previous walk-through.

Portable toilets and an additional storage container were mobilized to the site.

Personnel conducted a survey of the building to observe the location of potential hazardous material.

Week of September 19, 2011

On September 19, 2011, ERRS structural engineers conducted a structural assessment of the building, and determined which areas were safe and unsafe for personnel.

ERRS personnel began removing paint and lacquers from the building, and staging them in one of the storage boxes. Pick boards were used to access areas where the structural integrity of the flooring was compromised.

On September 23, 2011, ERRS conducted a site walk with asbestos removal contract bid companies. The asbestos removal will be sub-contracted based on cost and estimated completion time.

Week of September 26, 2011

ERRS personnel began removing lighting ballasts and mercury switches from the building.

on September 30, 2011, the asbestos removal contractor conducted a walk-through to determine containment areas and access paths.

Week of October 3, 2011

On October 3, 2011, the asbestos removal contractor mobilized to the site to begin activities. Personnel removed debris and drywall for access, and began construction containment on the first floor in section C, then in other asbestos removal areas. Area air monitoring and sampling was conducted with particulate monitors, and samples were collected using air pumps and filter cartridges.

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

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

Asbestos removal will be conducted on the first floor in sections C and D, then section B. Asbestos removal will then begin on the second floor.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

The structural integrity of the building will continue to be evaluated. A walk-through is conducted each day before activities begin, in order to identify, assess, and shore any new structural issues.

2.3 Logistics Section