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2.1.1 Narrative
At 1545 hours, the NRC received an initial report that there was a strong chemical smell in the air from an unknown source in the Charleston, WV, area. Following, the National Response Center issued a notification report concerning a "Do Not Use Water Notice" that was issued by West Virginia American Water Company (WVAWC). The notice was issued for all West Virginia American Water customers in Kanawha, Boone, Putnam, Lincoln, Logan, Clay, Roane, and Jackson Counties, as well as customers in Culloden in Cabell County. Customers were told that as a precaution, customers should not use their water for any purpose. Certain areas were not affected, as they receive water from a different water source/intake, including the City of Hurricane, St. Albans, Putnam Public Service District (PSD), Montgomery and Cedar Grove/East Bank. Following the issuance of the "Do Not Use Water Notice", Governor Tomblin issued a State of Emergency for the affected counties. Consequently, the National Guard and Office of Emergency Services worked in a cooperative effort to provide water and supplies through the county emergency services as quickly as possible. Initially, an estimated 100,000 customers were without water. Priority was given to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to receive water first.
The cause of the odor was determined to be a release of a chemical, reportedly 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol, which is used in the froth flotation process of coal washing and preparation. The chemical was released from a storage tank located at Freedom Industries, near Charleston, WV. The amount of chemical that was released was initially estimated at 5,000 gallons. An intake for WVAWC is located 1.5 miles downstream from the facility. The chemical was detected both by odor and by GC analysis at the Dupont Chemical Plant, located 10 miles downstream from the facility. The chemical was determined to be combustible, not flammable, as it has a flash point of 80 degrees Celcius. The chemical is lighter than water, having a density of 0.884 g/cm3.
EPA contacted WVDEP and offered assistance. Upon arrival at the scene on January 10, 2014, EPA met with WVDEP and received an update of what was initially assessed. The source of the release was identified as a tank containing MCHM, which has a capacity of 40,000+ gallons. The tank failed at the valve and approximately 5,000 gallons of MCHM were released into the secondary containment, which failed. The MCHM seeped beneath the containment and into the materials between the tanks and the river. An unknown amount of the MCHM was released into the Elk River. Three tanks containing the MCHM were located in the spill area. The other two tanks, located on either side of the failed tank, were apparently stable.
MCHM is manufactured by Eastman Crude. The mixture is mainly comprised of 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (68-89%). The mixture has a licorice odor, which is caused by 4-(methoxymethyl)cyclohexanemethanol.
WVDEP had issued a cease and desist order, a notice of violation from their air division, and a notice of violation of the facility's NPDES permit. WVDEP also directed the facility to contract a certified OSRO, as the initial responders were not certified.
WVDEP directed the facility to dig a cut-off ditch because the chemical had permeated through the ground and was emerging from a storm drain outfall, continuing to enter the river. The facility's contractors (land clean-up) excavated the ditch, which was initially not deep enough. After further excavation, the ditch began to collect a combination of the chemical and water. The land contractors pumped the chemical/water mix up the hill into tanker trucks for disposal.
The land contractors excavated a pit in the tank farm area and was vacuuming the chemicals out of the pit. The materials in the tank farm area (secondary containment) are very porous, reportedly filled with old bricks and tile. The land contractors were also vacuuming the chemicals from the leaking tank, #396. The land clean-up crew had utilized vacuum trucks to empty the chemicals from all three of the MCHM storage tanks. The report from the facility to EPA was that approximately 1,200 gallons of the chemical remained in the two "sister" tanks, and that the leaking tank was empty. The vacuum operations were 24-hour operations. WVDEP conducted oversight of these operations in shifts, also for 24-hour operations.
The RP hired a certified OSRO. WVDEP directed them to deploy hard boom in the river, which was accomplished upon arrival of the OSRO. The OSRO deployed boom along the left descending bank of the river, adjacent to the spill location. The OSRO was also attempting to use vacuum pumps to collect the materials from the river's surface. However, the chemicals were trapped beneath the ice that lined the shores of the river. As the ice was broken, the chemicals quickly dispersed into the river. The chemical appeared to be coffee-colored.
EPA offered support to WVDEP with air monitoring. Subsequently, EPA's START contractor (TechLaw) conducted air monitoring on Site. The TVA-1000 (FID) and Multi-Rae (PID) were used to conduct the air monitoring. At the source, the FID detected 49-50 ppm. In the area of the tanks, the FID detected 7-15 ppm. Along the fence-line, the FID detected 1-7 ppm. In the "background", which was designated along the road adjacent to the facility, the FID detected 0.5 ppm. The PID did not detect any significant concentrations of the chemical. START conducted written and photographic documentation of Site conditions.
An inventory of the facility was provided to EPA. This inventory consisted of raw glycerin, finished glycerin, calcium chloride, lignin, MCHM, and RDC 777.
According to EPA toxicologists, the air health criteria for similar compounds are very high (none for the mixture itself), meaning not vey toxic. The vapor pressure value indicates you won't find much of the chemical in the air. No information is available on odor thresholds but for one or more of the compounds in the mixture, it/they must be very low.
On January 11, 2014, USCG discussed boom deployment downstream at the WVAWC. WVAWC had deployed boom around their water intake, which is 15 feet below the river surface. USCG suggested a strategy to further divert the chemical around the water intake; WVDEP and EPA were in agreement. The boom was deployed at an angle starting from the LDB of the river. START documented deployment of the boom, which consisted of absorbent boom in front of hard boom.
During the morning hours, heavy rains occurred on Site. This contributed to release of the chemicals that were trapped beneath the ice that lined the river banks, as all of the ice was melted during the rain storm and increased temperatures (low-50's). START conducted additional air monitoring with the FID. Along the fence-line, 1-4 ppm was detected. In the vicinity of the tanks, up to 7 ppm was detected.
EPA and START conducted a Site walk to observe operations. The contractors had placed poly liner in the trench and extended the length of trench in the direction of the initial release. The contractors continued to vacuum the chemicals from both the trench area and from beneath the tanks. The contractors also continued to vacuum the MCHM from the leaking tank; by dusk, the facility reported that the leaking tank was empty.
The facility arranged for transport tankers to continually load the chemicals on Site. These operations were conducted throughout the day.
The WVAWC proposed a concentration of MCHM of 1 ppm or less in order to lift the Do Not Use ban on the water. ATSDR and CDC both agreed to this limit. This detection level must be maintained for a period of 24-hours.
On January 12, 2014, USCG and EPA met on scene. WVDEP was called in to the meeting. It was agreed that daily meetings should occur to update all personnel in the command structure and to set tasks for operational periods. Activities were to continue 24 hours a day, with WVDEP oversight. The RPs actions on Site to date were discussed. USCG stated that they observed a direct leak from the tank. All were in agreement that the source was the major concern and that it had to be contained. The RP was called into the meeting, along with an engineering consultant. Following discussion, all were in agreement that the following actions needed to be taken: removal of all of the materials from all three of the tanks; steam clean all three of the tanks; and remove the tanks from the containment area. The first two tasks were identified by the RP to be completed by this evening. Following these aforementioned activities, the next task will be to determine what chemicals are beneath the concrete pad in the containment area.
The boom is still deployed in the river. The river's current has increased from the rain that occurred yesterday, lessening the effectiveness of the boom. Also, the increased river speed and level has contributed to an increased amount of debris that is being collected in the boom. The boom that is located near the water intake still has both skirted boom and absorbent boom and pads. WVDEP directed the facility to regularly change out the absorbent boom upon visual inspection of saturation.
There is a skimmer deployed where the boom is extended across the entire width of the river. The RP's contractor reported that the sheen is not as visible today because of the speed of the river, and reported that no more than 1,000 gallons of the chemical has been recovered in the absorbents, skimmer, and by vacuum truck from the river operations.
EPA and START conducted a Site walk to observe operations and the condition of the hillside/trench area. The surface soils were saturated and the chemical odor remained detectable.
EPA and FEMA conducted a meeting. FEMA's concern was to lift the Do Not Use order. A Civil Support Team from Tennessee has been called in. Analysis of 40 samples per day per laboratory can be conducted. A total of 120 samples are going to laboratories today. They will continue to do testing to ensure that the water quality does not change over the next week.
The following activities were conducted the week of January 13 - 20, 2014:
During the prior night's shift (January 12, 2014), the RP's contractor steam-cleaned all three of the MCHM tanks. The plan was to lift and relocate the tanks from the cement pad. A specific safety plan was being drafted for this activity. The RP requested that EPA assist in the review of the general Site safety plan and the contractor's safety plan. The facility had a safety officer on Site.
Tanker trucks on Site continued to pump any areas of the Site that contain pooled water, concentrating on the sumps in the containment area. Tanker trucks were also on Site removing product from the other tanks of the facility, as ordered by WVDEP.
WVDEP staff identified a small gas leak in the tank containment area. START conducted air monitoring and detected 40% LEL above the bubbling gas. The gas company was called and stopped the gas leak. The gas company marked the gas line on Site, which runs beneath the containment area. An additional gas line was located at the far northeastern area of the facility, which runs down the slope towards the river. No tank cutting activities were conducted today due to this gas leak.
Discussions to install a French drain were still on-going. The purpose of installation of the French drain was to assist in water collection and pumping out of the water/product mixture from the soil near the leaking tank. The facility collected soil samples from this water and shipped them to a laboratory in California for analysis.
WVDEP continued to collect water samples twice a day at two locations. One location was 2.1 miles upstream from the facility in the Elk River. The second location was 10 miles downstream from the facility in the Kanawha River, but above the confluence of the Elk River. Results are not currently available. Both sample locations are to gather background data.
Overnight operations included continual pumping of the storm water that was collected in the trench's containment pool and transference of the liquids to a vacuum truck. The morning goal was to preserve the integrity of the breached tank; therefore, no operations were conducted in the tank farm area. However, the land contractor continually pumped water from the containment area into trucks.
During the morning briefing, personnel from the facility, USCG, WVDEP, CSB, EPA, START (TechLaw), and the Attorney General’s office were present. It was reported that the land contractor found a hole, approximately the size of a quarter, in the bottom of the tank that breached. The hole appeared to have been punched from the bottom, as it was v-shaped “upward”. As the rains have caused a very muddy scene, the facility's contractor set up a tent and ensured a safe pathway to the tank for the interested parties to view the hole in the tank. Operations to cut and remove the tank from the facility were delayed to preserve the evidence so that CSB could conduct their investigation.
The facility’s accounting department was working with past inventory and the volume of chemical that has been transported off Site in order to more accurately estimate the size of the release.
As the volume of water that was coming out of the area of the storm water pipe was increasing, it was speculated that water was originating from an additional source. No odor was present, nor was sheen observed. WVDEP conducted a field test and detected chlorine in the water. The water department was called in and detected fluorine in the water. The water department shut off a valve on location and the water flow diminished in the storm water drain area. Therefore, discussions were held concerning diverting this water directly into the river. Testing of this water will be conducted prior to this, and an engineering plan will be used to construct the “directional ditch”; WVDEP, USCG, and EPA will need to approve the plan and determine a location in the river where the water will be discharged.
The facility is continuing a river sampling program. Samples are being flown to California for analysis. A control sample was provided to the laboratory. Analytical results are expected this evening.
There were no reports of any fish kill or significant issues with aquatic life in the Elk River.
WVDEP ordered the land contractor to extend the liner in the trench area at the base of the facility, located adjacent to the river.
WVDEP and USCG agreed to remove the hard boom that extends across the entire river, and the boom located outside the water intake at the WVAWC. However, the facility was directed to leave hard boom with interior absorbent boom along the shoreline adjacent to the facility; WVDEP and USCG were determining the placement and length of that boom.
Following the repair of the waterline, the amount of water that was discharging in the area of the storm water pipe did not diminish. However, as a result of the water line repair, a large amount of water was discharged across the road and onto the front of the facility’s property. This water pooled along the front of the containment wall and migrated towards the storm drain. Previously, the RP’s land contractor had attempted to seal the storm drain, and succeeded in doing so. However, the water was infiltrating the void around the pipe and flowing beneath the facility, emerging on the rear side of the property. In addition, due to all of the voids in the clay layer present beneath the secondary containment, the water had also migrated through the voids and filled the sumps located in the floor of the concrete pad beneath the tanks. Consequently, the RP's contractor spent most of the afternoon pumping water from the interior of the containment area.
OSRO deployed horizontal absorbent booms inside the hard skimmer boom with interior absorbent boom that extends from the property line down to the dock area. A total of seven interior horizontal booms were deployed. The boom strategy encompassed the entire sloped area of the Site, which was the area of concern for migration of the MCHM into the river. USCG, WVDEP, and EPA agreed with the current boom strategy. The boom was still being maintained and the absorbent booms were replaced as needed.
Two roll-off trucks were delivered to the Site for containment of potentially contaminated soils. As pumping water from the containment area was priority, installation of this drain was delayed; no work was conducted on this today.
The RP’s contractor placed absorbent boom along the wall and covered the area with a tarp, to prevent rain water from washing the product down the slope and into the river.
Installation of fence along the base of the slope behind the facility began. Fence installation includes exterior orange hi-vis fence and interior silt fence. The fencing will extend along all areas of the Site that have disturbed soils.
CST collected two samples from the water emerging from the storm drain area. The fluorine was low, 0.14 ppm, and MCHM was detected at 0.3-0.4 ppm.
Exploratory geoprobe operations began in the containment area, in the vicinity of the breached MCHM tank. Holes were punched through the concrete in order to determine a good location for a recovery well.
Excavation of a trench at the far northeastern portion of the Site was delayed due to the potential instability of the glycerin tanks that are staged above the slope. The capacity of each of the tanks is 400,000 gallons. Due to the weight of the glycerin and the tanks themselves, it would have been dangerous to disturb the slope below them. In addition, three years ago, one of the tanks was unstable and the footer had to be repaired. The adjacent tank was slightly buckled as a result. Therefore, the RP’s contractor pumped out as much as possible from the tanks; four feet of product remain in the tanks, which is equivalent to approximately 48,000 gallons (one inch is approximately 1,000 gallons). This activity was conducted to lessen the weight of the tanks prior to disturbance of any soils downgradient from the area. Discussions are still on-going concerning the trench work in that area of the Site.
A plan for the installation of the french drain was approved by WVDEP and EPA. The RP’s contractor conducted a Site walk with USCG, WVDEP, EPA, and START (TechLaw) to allow everyone to visualize what was going to be done. The french drain will begin at the southwestern end of the property and will extend up to the current location of the interceptor trench. To avoid disrupting the stability of the hillside, the drain will be placed at a depth of less than three feet bgs. Two ports, one on each end, will contain a vacuum hose to remove liquids from the pipe.
Last evening, CST collected two samples from the water emerging from the storm drain area. The fluorine was low, 0.14 ppm, and MCHM was detected at 0.3-0.4 ppm. CST collected an additional two samples this morning; the first sample was non-detect for MCHM, and results from the second sample are expected later today. This contamination is possibly from un-cleaned equipment.
The RP received sample results from the storm drain area; there were high concentrations of MCHM. The RP will not divert that water into the river. All water on Site will be funneled to the interceptor trench and vacuumed to the tanker trucks.
Exploratory geoprobe operations began in the containment area, in the vicinity of the breached MCHM tank. Holes were punched through the concrete in order to determine a good location for a recovery well. Petroleum products were detected in these test holes, which were 10 feet bgs. RP lawyers have been in contact with the previous owner concerning the issue. WVDEP is also aware of this legacy connection to previous facility operations.
The RP’s contractor had placed absorbent boom along the wall and covered the area with a tarp, to prevent rain water from washing the product down the slope and into the river. A contractor removed trees from that area. The RP’s contractor then excavated a trench from just beneath the containment wall in a downgradient direction towards the existing interceptor trench. The contractor excavated approximately 10 feet away from the gas line. Bentonite was placed along the base of the trench and covered with a poly liner.
In the experimental phase, an oil/water separator was being used in an attempt to remove the MCHM from the water that is being vacuumed from the interceptor trench and dike area. In the initial phases, it appeared to be successful in separating the product from the water. The RP’s contractor collected samples from the influent and effluent of the separator to confirm that it is working. Also in the experimental phase, the RP’s contractor was requesting a permit from WVDEP’s air division in order to use an air stripper that extracts volatiles, followed by two carbon vessels, to treat the product and release it into the air.
Per EPA RA request, OSC Matlock attended a meeting at the US Attorney’s Office (Booth Goodwin II) to meet with all invited agencies to discuss roles and responsibilities during this emergency. The main focus of the meeting was to ensure investigative agencies were coordinating with each other. The WVDEP and EPA updated the operational status on source control at the facility. The US Attorney was very pleased with the meeting and agency updates provided by the various agencies.
The results from CST’s sample collection of the water from the pooled areas along the roadside were received. The samples were non-detect for MCHM. WVDEP was looking into whether the water could be discharged directly into the sewer system or if it should be treated.
A minor permit modification was granted by WVDEP to Freedom Industries allowing disposal of solid waste at the City of Charleston’s Landfill. The MCHM solid waste was deemed non-hazardous according to RCRA. Approval was granted for disposal of 2,000 tons per year.
It was reported that a total of 19 baker tanks were full of the MCHM-contaminated water, and are stored at the Poca facility. The RP's contractor was collecting samples from the tanks. Any Baker tanks that were single-walled were being replaced with those that are double-walled. Additional security measures were being taken in this staging area, including installation of wireless cameras. These cameras were also going to be installed in the tank storage area at Freedom Industries in Charleston, WV, in order to conduct 24-hour monitoring of the tanks to ensure that no additional leaks were occurring.
The poly liner in the interceptor trench was peeled back to facilitate extension of the trench; the trench was extended in a northeastern direction, towards the rear of the 400,000-gallon glycerin tanks. The trench then continued in an easterly direction, up the slope, towards the base of the containment wall. The trench was diverted around an existing gas line. The contractors covered the trench with poly liner and extended it into the existing interceptor trench area. All of the poly liner was connected to divert all of the runoff water from the containment areas and storm drain into a single interceptor trench.
The monitoring wells were developed on Site by the RP's subcontractor. There were four monitoring wells in the base of the slope, located adjacent to the riverbank; these are 20 feet bgs. There were three monitoring wells located in front of the containment area, adjacent to the road; these are 40 feet bgs.
The river level has significantly dropped, and the OSRO continued to maintain the boom deployed in the river. The boom was reported to have no MCHM odor and no product was observed on the absorbent booms.
Containments were constructed beneath the roll-off boxes on Site. These roll-offs were to be used to stage the MCHM-contaminated soils that will be removed from the slope behind the tanks.
Due to extremely wet soils on Site, overnight operations were limited to monitoring the interceptor trench and pumping water from the trench into tanker trucks. As temperatures significantly dropped overnight, the volume of water that emerged from the storm drain continued to be reduced. Water pumping operations continued throughout the day, wherever it was necessary.
WVDEP reported that MCHM was detected at 285 ppm in the water sample collected from the “seep” area at the northeastern end of the facility. The RP and its contractor observed fluids in that area and stated that the film is contiguous and consistent, with a rainbow color; they believe that there are petroleum hydrocarbons present. Regardless, the fluids still contain MCHM and there will be additional trenching to collect these fluids. However, because the Site soils are near frozen at the surface, all trenching operations are on delay until the soils thaw. WVDEP plans to collect samples and analyze them for BTEX, DRO, GRO, and TPH. OSRO was directed to extend the boom 20 feet upstream in the river to ensure that the seeped material is captured.
Stone was brought to Site for construction of an access road to the sump area. The lower bench was lined with geo-tech fabric and covered with stone.
Inspectors from the WV Attorney General’s Office were on Site to meet with EPA to discuss an investigation into the water lines in the tank area.
As a precaution, OSRO extended the boom approximately 20 feet upstream in the river. Under WVDEP order, the facility’s contractor hand-dug an extension to the existing trench to the end of the tank farm, to contain the drainage from the additional “seep” that was located along the northeastern bank of the facility.
The facility conducted exploratory excavation in an attempt to identify the source of the water that is collecting beneath the tank farm. A compromised corrugated drainage pipe was located just inside the containment area, in the vicinity of the MCHM tanks. In the same area, three additional smaller-sized pipes were discovered, which may be water/foam suppression lines used by the former owners of the facility. Just outside the containment area, water continues to collect at the base of the containment wall. The contractors are continually pumping water from inside and outside of the containment wall, at a rate of approximately 5,000 gallons every 10 hours. WVDEP was provided water samples from the area inside the containment. The source of this water is currently unknown.
The facility hired an environmental consulting firm to develop a remediation plan for the site, per the WVDEP order.
A vacuum truck was used just behind the northeastern area of the containment, where visible fluids were observed on the surface soils. The vacuum removed the top few inches of soil and surface water.
The focus of Site operations continued to be controlling the on-Site water and collecting contaminated water/product from the ditches and the collection trench. WVDEP, EPA, and the facility contractor walked the site to find a location where to pipe the runoff water that is flowing to the Site. It was determined that a sump would be dug along the road in an attempt to collect the runoff water before the water reaches the property. The collected water would either be diverted or collected in tanker trucks to send to a waste-water treatment plant. The RP's contractor began excavation of the trench. Water was discovered at approximately three feet bgs, but was not in large volume.
The facility is receiving more double-walled tanks at the Poca facility to contain water from the Site. The facility will profile the water for disposal by collecting samples from the storage tanks.
Tanker trucks continue to load glycerin from the 400,000-gallon tanks for transport off Site, by order of WVDEP.
The tanker utilized for heavy duty vacuum operations of surface water and soils was pulled into the loading dock area and a poly containment was constructed for sediment collection. The tank was slightly opened to decant the fluids from the truck, which washed into the drain that led to the oil/water separator. The soils from the truck were then placed into lined roll-off boxes.
The geoprobe was decontaminated in the loading dock area. The wash water was directed into the drain that leads to the oil/water separator.
Vacuum hoses continue to be manned 24-hours to remove the water from the sumps both outside and inside the containment area.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
January 21, 2014
The water, once determined clean, will be pumped into the tank containing the glycerin sludge to dilute the sludge, which should ease pumping the glycerin. The glycerin will be hauled to customers to comply with the WVDEP order. An updated inventory of the remaining chemicals will be provided to the WVDEP tomorrow.
The booms on the river appear in good condition and are not collecting any visible material. No visible sheen was seen on the river behind the booms.
Soil removal is delayed due to the cold temperatures and snow fall. The WVDEP requested that the contractor look at the north end of the trench where the poly sheeting has folded back and needs to be repaired.
The remediation contractor for Freedom Industries, Civil Environmental Consultants, has begun to work on a plan for the site. They stated that the cost or scope of remediation work will not be cost prohibitive due to deterioration of the product and the clay base under the site that kept the chemical from infiltrating deep into the ground.
January 22, 2014
The facility continues to monitor the boom along the river edge to ensure the ice does not build up. The facility’s contractor has teams of two rotating every 45 minutes to inspect the boom condition and ice buildup. Ice has begun to form and the teams have been instructed to break the ice located between the river bank and boom.
There has been trouble with freezing in the tubes used for pumping out the sumps around the facility. Most of the sumps are frozen at this point, but water is still running on the outside of the secondary containment. The remediation contractor’s primary goal for today is to locate the source of the water and divert it around the facility property. WVDEP met with the facility about the remediation plan and locations for future sampling.
January 23, 2014
Today EPA is taking a sample of the MCHM/PPH mixture that is being staged at the Poca Blending
Facility. This material was removed from Tanks 395, 396 (failed tank), and 397 at Freedom Industries. The
material from Tank 396 was mixed with the other tanks went the material was taken off-site for storage. The
facility stated that the MCHM/PPH ratio in Tanks 395 and 397 may differ slightly from that of Tank 396. The
sample will be sent to Ft. Meade with delivery expected tomorrow.
WVDEP suggested that Freedom Industries, WVDEP, EPA, and the Coast Guard meet to discuss
the contents of Freedom’s Remediation Plan. That meeting has not yet been scheduled.
January 24, 2014
Overnight operations focused on collection of water from outside the containment wall, before it could pass through the site and to the retention pond. This water is being pumped into tank 398, tested, and, if acceptable, used for thinning the glycerin for pumping and transport. When the retention pond reaches a pumpable level, the hoses are treated with glycerin and the water is pumped to the tanker. This helps to prevent the hoses from freezing. In addition to the site being frozen, sections of the Elk River are frozen the entire width of the river.
The frozen river has caused some concerns in controlling the ice down inside the boom containment. The facility has requested approval from WVDEP for the disposition of all collected water and approval to use water from the Elk River to dilute the glycerin to aid in pumping of the product.
The Central Regional Lab (CRL) in Ft. Meade, MD has been working to identify analytical techniques for the single compound MCHM in water, striving to lower analytical detection limits for the compound and attempting to ensure the reliability of analytical methods employed by public utilities and other organizations. In addition, the CRL will use several analytical techniques to identify the constituents in the product mixture samples collected from the tanks at Freedom Industries in Poca, WV facility. This material may have different compound ratios than the ruptured tank. CRL also will work to identify the appropriate analytical method(s) for identifying PPH in water and attempt to attain acceptable detection limits for making public health evaluations.
January 25, 2014
The ice has pushed the boom in toward the shore. They are hoping to reset the boom to its original location when the boat arrives this afternoon and they can break up the ice outside the boom. The water department has been notified of the issues with the boom and will be notified if there was a release or suspected release.
WVDEP approved a load of a mixture of glycerin and river water for shipment off from the site. The plan of action is that all storage tanks inside the containment will be emptied, cleaned, and removed from the site. Legal approval will be needed removing the tanks from the site.
January 26, 2014
The facility dug a hole behind Tank 394 about three feet down and found only loose fill, not the expected gravel/compacted soil. The hole was to prepare for a planned vertical French drain that could vacuum product from under the tanks. The subsurface loose fill and brick debris make the planned French drain ineffective for recovering product.
Ice in the river continues to be a significant issue with maintaining the river boom in place. The facility contractor is attempting to break ice and to properly position the river booms. Because of the ice, once the boom is repositioned further from the river bank, it will be allowed to freeze in place.
Overnight the facility broke the surface ice on the containment trench at the base of the hill and pumped out the water to maintain a safe freeboard, which should prevent potential overflow. The facility reported that water seeped in underneath the liner. WV DEP, EPA, the facility, and their contractor discussed removal of the water and repair of the poly liner. The facility will add salt to melt the ice in the trench and pump out the water. After the water is pumped out, the polyethylene liner will be cut and rolled back to pump out the accumulated water and possible product. The polyethylene liner will then be placed back in the trench and positioned into the hillside so it collects surface runoff, subsurface water and possible product.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The Responsible Party is identified as Freedom Industries, and is under orders from WVDEP. There are four orders and one revision to an order. Orders include: a cease and desist oder; an order to develop a plan to empty all 14 tanks on Site; an order to remove all material from on-site above ground storage tanks (AST) by March 15, 2014; an order to report all on-site and all information of MCHM/PPH; and begin to dismantle all ASTs on or before March 15, 2014.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| MCHM/PPH boom/pads |
solid/liquid |
1,272 gallons (estimated) |
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transport off-site |
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