U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Integrated Waste Management Tire Fire - Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II
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Subject:
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POLREP #2
Emergency Removal Action and Funding Authorized
Integrated Waste Management Tire Fire
A-23R
Penuelas, PR
Latitude: 18.0099907 Longitude: -66.7209286
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To:
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Laura Velez, Puerto Rico EQB
Joel Figueroa, Puerto Rico Fire Department
Angel Crespo, Puerto Rico Fire Department
Claudia Gutierrez, USEPA
Meghan La Reau, USEPA
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From:
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Paul Kahn, Keli Lucarino, On-Scene Coordinators
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Date:
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3/19/2014
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Reporting Period:
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
A-23R |
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Contract Number: |
EP-S2-10-01 |
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D.O. Number: |
0069 |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
3/19/2014 |
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Start Date: |
3/15/2014 |
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Demob Date: |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
PRN008020158 |
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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
Tire fire at defunct tire shredding facility.
1.1.2 Site Description
The Site is located in a remote area bordered by tall hills on two sides. It is located approximately 2 miles from the Caribbean Ocean.
1.1.2.1 Location
The Site is located on a dirt side road off Rt. 385, Km. 2.9, approximately 10 miles north west of Ponce.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
There is a pile of shredded tires approximately 60 feet wide by 150 feet long and 60 feet high had caught fire in August, 2008. The fire was partially controlled by covering the pile with dirt. Subsequently, the fire smoldered until fissures in the pile began to allow air into the pile. The current potential threat is that the now-smoldering pile of shredded tires is on the verge of re-igniting.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
UPDATED INFO IS IN BOLD TYPE
Air monitoring and sampling data is still being acquired and no preliminary results are available. However, there is ample data/information on emissions from tire fires. See attached information in the Reference Section. Visible inspection of the top of the smoldering pile showed deposition of an oil-like substance, similar to condensation, on the edge of the fissures that have opened up on the pile. This suggests that an oil component of the smoke plumes is condensing on the cooler outer edges of the fissures. This would typically be polynuclear aromatic compounds such as benzo- and anthro- pyrenes, both which are carcinogenic substances.
On March 19, 2014 ERT returned to the Site, reestablished air monitoring (viewable via VIPER) and set up 4 data RAMS and SUMA canisters sampling stations. Sampling will run through Thursday March 20th. RST will sample piles of oil-contaminated soil and run-off water collected in a small trough at the base of the pile of smoldering tires. Visual observations by the OSC revealed that overnight portions of the soil covering the smoldering tire pile slid off the pile, exposing small fissures which allowed air to infiltrate the pile. This resulted in increased smoke plumes and the soil felt hotter to the touch than previously noted. This is probably indicative of increased burning inside the pile. If additional soil is eroded it is likely that the fire will re-ignite which will cause additional problems with smoke and pyrolytic oil releases.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
UPDATED INFORMATION IS IN BOLD FONT.
The OSC has mobilized 5 ERT/SERAS staff to the Site to set up air monitoring uploaded to the VIPER system. Sampling of air, soil and water media has begun as well.
The OSC has contacted the Chief of the local Fire Department and a meeting has been set up to discuss the situation on 3/21/14.
On March 19, 2014 the ERRD Division Director authorized and partially funded a CERCLA response action at the Site. The ERRS contractor has been notified and mobilized to the Site. ETA for ERRS to arrive at the Site is Sunday, March 23, 2014. Additional contractor assets will be mobilized to the Site as deemed necessary.
The OSC has contacted the PR Environmental Quality Board (EQB) and informed the EQB that EPA will be able to assist in extinguishing the fire.
The OSC will attempt to meet with a local cement company (CEMEX) that may be willing to take the piles of approx. 8,000 unburnt scrap tires at the Site. They have historically used shredded tires as a supplemental fuel in the cement manufacturing process and are permitted by the EQB for this activity.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
The OSC has met with one of the former owners/operators (PRP) of the defunct tire processing business and obtained access to perform the current activities. The PRP has offered his willingness to cooperate with EPA to resolve the problem.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
ERT will continue air monitoring until they are demobed from the Site.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
ERT will complete air sampling using data RAMs and SUMA canisters on or about 3/21/14.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
Continue with air monitoring and media sampling.
2.2.2 Issues
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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
2.5.2 Liaison Officer
2.5.3 Information Officer
John J. Martin, USEPA, NY, NY
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
n/a
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
PR Environmental Quality Board
Penuelas Fire Department
PR National Guard
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4. Personnel On Site
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One EPA OSC
One tech with Weston Solutions, Inc., an EPA technical assistance contractor.
Two EPA/ERT personnel and 3 ERT contractor personnel.
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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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