U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT 
Ordnance Products, Incorporated Superfund Site - Removal Polrep 
 
  
 
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 
Region III 
 
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Subject:
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POLREP #2  
Preparation and Installation of Mitigation System for Home VI-46  
Ordnance Products, Incorporated Superfund Site 
MDD982364341 
North East, MD
 Latitude: 39.6311190 Longitude: -75.9214070
 
 
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To:
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From:
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Francisco J. Cruz, On-Scene Coordinator
 
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Date:
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9/4/2012
 
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Reporting Period:
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06/14/2012 - 09/04/2012
 
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background 
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Site Number: | 
MDD982364341 | 
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Contract Number: | 
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D.O. Number: | 
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Action Memo Date: | 
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Response Authority: | 
CERCLA | 
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Response Type: | 
Time-Critical | 
 
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Response Lead: | 
EPA | 
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Incident Category: | 
Removal Action | 
 
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NPL Status: | 
NPL | 
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Operable Unit: | 
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Mobilization Date: | 
8/29/2012 | 
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Start Date: | 
6/14/2012 | 
 
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Demob Date: | 
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Completion Date: | 
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CERCLIS ID: | 
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RCRIS ID: | 
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ERNS No.: | 
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State Notification: | 
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FPN#: | 
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Reimbursable Account #: | 
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1.1.1 Incident Category 
 
CERCLA 
 
1.1.2 Site Description 
 
The Ordnance Products Incorporated Superfund Site (OPI) consists of a 95 acre property located in North East, Maryland. OPI was historically occupied by an ordnance component manufacturing facility from 1960 to 1972. The plant produced, stored, and packaged grenade fuses, detonators, and related devices for the U.S. military. Waste from the manufacturing process was either buried onsite in open pits or discharged to five unlined surface impoundments. After manufacturing work ended in 1972, waste material remained in the surface impoundments or was buried in pits and trenches throughout the site. These wastes included drums of solvents and acids, detonators, and grenade fuses.  
 
The Removal Action being conducted at OPI is occurring at two private residences near the site.  
 
1.1.2.1 Location 
 
The site is located near Mechanics Valley Road in North East, Maryland.  
 
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat 
 
Trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated groundwater from the site is causing hazardous vapors to enter two homes near the site. Both homes exhibit indoor air levels of TCE above 6.3 parts per billion (ppb). Current EPA guidance advises that a Removal Action should be conducted if indoor air levels are above a Hazard Index (HI) of 3. The HI of 3 for TCE is above 6.3 ppb. 
 
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results 
 
EPA's Remedial Program conducted indoor air sampling events in September 2009. Two homes during the sampling event were shown to have elevated levels of TCE. The highest indoor air level in a home identified as VI-46 was 13 ppb. The highest Indoor air level of TCE in a home identified as VI-47 was 97 ppb. Although the levels were not deemed elevated at the time, when numbers were reevaluated with EPA's 2012 Regional Screening Levels Residential Air Table, the levels do appear to pose a threat to human health. 
  
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative 
 
In July 2012, EPA, accompanied by START and ERRS contractors, conducted several trips to prepare for the installation of the vapor mitigation systems in homes VI-46 and VI-47. During those visits, the OSC discussed with residents the installation process and approximate timetable for completion. The homeowner for VI-47 provided verbal access to EPA to conduct response activities, and agreed to leave a door open to allow access to the home.  
 
On August 29, 2012, ERRS began installation of piping for the mitigation system. The homeowner provided access to the basement in order to run piping from the sump area to the outside. A hole was drilled into the top of the the sump box and the side of the home in order to run the pipe. ERRS used 4" Schedule 80 pipe, as requested by the homeowner. ERRS' electrical subcontractor was on site to conduct the appropriate electrical connections for the fan. The fan was not available the day of the installation, and was agreed to be installed on September 5, 2012. 
 
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date 
 
EPA conducted several visits to determine the manner in which the mitigation systems would be installed.  
 
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) 
 
The OSC will coordinate with enforcement staff, as necessary. To date, a viable PRP has not been identified for the site.  
  
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2.2 Planning Section 
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities 
 
Installation of the mitigation systems will continue in VI-46 and VI-47. In addition to mitigation system installation, the basement of VI-47 will need to be prepared in order to prevent vapors from migrating into the home.  
 
2.2.2 Issues 
 
The brackets for the piping in VI-46 do not appear to be sufficient. ERRS will reevaluate the bracing system and investigate better ways to anchor the piping to the house.
  
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2.3 Logistics Section 
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No information available at this time.
  
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2.4 Finance Section 
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No information available at this time.
  
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2.5 Other Command Staff 
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2.5.1 Safety Officer 
 
Francisco J. Cruz - USEPA 
  
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3. Participating Entities
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USEPA
  
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4. Personnel On Site
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EPA - 1 
START - 1 
ERRS - 2
  
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5. Definition of Terms
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No information available at this time.
  
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6. Additional sources of information
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No information available at this time.
  
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
  
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