U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Powell Lead - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region III
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Subject:
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POLREP #1
Initial POLREP: Surface Soil Sampling on Parcel 2
Powell Lead
A3XF
Big Stone Gap, VA
Latitude: 36.8607475 Longitude: -82.7954852
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To:
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Fran Burns, EPA Region 3
Jack Tolbert, VDEM
Lora Werner, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Dwight Flammia, Virginia Department of Health
Pat Murphy, Town of Big Stone Gap
Devlin Harris, DEQ
Paul Kurzanski, CSX
Stacy Bowers, DEQ
Sue Cantrell, VDH
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From:
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Francisco J. Cruz, On-Scene Coordinator
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Date:
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3/25/2014
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Reporting Period:
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3/18/2014 - 3/19/2014
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
A3XF |
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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 Assessment |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
3/18/2014 |
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Start Date: |
3/18/2014 |
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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 Time-Critical Removal Assessment
1.1.2 Site Description
The site is comprised of two parcels located in Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Virginia. Parcel 1, owned by CSX, is located near the intersection of West 9th Street North and Main Avenue West. Parcel 1 lies between CSX rail lines and Main Avenue West, across the street from several residential properties. From the road, it appears that Parcel 1 has several battery casings, transformer parts, and oil-stained soils. Parcel 2, owned by Robinette Steel & Scrap Metal, consists of a mounded area near a playground at the intersection of Main Avenue West and Short Street North. Parcel 2 is well vegetated with significant evidence of buried construction debris. During the sampling event, OSC Cruz observed several battery casings and transformer pieces partially buried in the mound. Parcel 2 is located across the street from several residences and adjacent to a playground, with a short fence separating the playground from the mound.
1.1.2.1 Location
The site is located in Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Virginia.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
According to complaints received by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Parcels 1 and 2 were dumping sites in the past. At this time, the contaminants of concern at the site are lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). OSC Cruz will be determining if levels of lead and PCBs in the surface soils pose an imminent threat to public health and the environment.
During the sampling event, a resident approached OSC Cruz with concerns of radioactive material being buried in Parcel 2. The OSC will conduct a radiation survey during a future site visit to determine if there are radioactive levels of concern.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
A visual inspection of the parcels shows evidence of dumped battery casings, transformer parts, and oil-stained soils. A surface soil sampling event was conducted on 3/19/14 to determine the extent of lead and PCB contamination on Parcel 2. Screening of Parcel 2 with an X-Ray Fluoresence Device (XRF) indicated lead levels ranging from Non-Detect to 1290 parts per million (ppm).
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
In November 2013, VDEM and DEQ received reports of possible dumping in two parcels located in Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Virginia. VDEM and DEQ requested EPA assistance in investigating the dumping allegations at the parcels. On 11/14/13, OSC Cruz and DEQ conducted a windshield assessment to determine the current state of the site. Parcel 1 showed obvious signs of dumping, with several battery casings, transformer parts, oil-stained soil, and construction debris in the parcel. Parcel 2 consisted of a vegetated above-grade mound with signs of construction debris partially buried on the parcel. Due to the signs of dumping on Parcel 1, and the above-grade mound in close proximity to a playground at Parcel 2, OSC Cruz decided to move forward with a Removal Assessment.
On 3/19/14, OSC Cruz, accompanied by DEQ and a Superfund Technical Assistance and Response Team ("START") contractor, mobilized to the site to conduct a surface soil sampling event. Parcel 1 is on CSX property, and VDEM and EPA will be working with CSX to address the issues at the parcel. After receiving written permission by Robinette Steel and Scrap Metal ("Robinette"), the property owners of Parcel 2, to conduct the assessment, EPA and START began screening the soils of Parcel 2 using an XRF. START screened approximately 12 locations, which showed lead levels ranging from Non-Detect to 1290 ppm. Following the screening, OSC Cruz selected 6 locations for sampling, 1 background sample, and a location for a duplicate sample. The locations were selected based on the proximity to the playground and areas with the highest lead screening levels. START collected the surface soils samples and had them shipped for lead and PCB analysis.
During the sampling event, a resident approached OSC Cruz with concerns regarding alleged radioactive materials being buried in Parcel 2. Due to the resident's concerns, OSC Cruz will be returning to the site to conduct a radiation survey of the mound.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
EPA has collected surface soil samples on Parcel 2 to determine if lead and PCB levels pose a threat to nearby residents. EPA and VDEM will be coordinating with CSX to address Parcel 1.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
OSC Cruz will be coordinating with enforcement personnel.
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
OSC Cruz will continue to coordinate with VDEM on engaging CSX to conduct assessment work on Parcel 1.
OSC Cruz will conduct a radiation survey of Parcel 2 to rule out significant radioactive contamination.
Following analysis of the surface soil sample, the OSC will determine what further action is warranted at the property.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
OSC Cruz and VDEM will coordinate to engage CSX on conducting an assessment on Parcel 1.
A radiation survey of Parcel 2 will be conducted in the near future.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
Following analysis of surface soil samples and the radiation survey, the OSC will determine what further action is warranted at the site.
2.2.2 Issues
After receiving allegations of supposed radioactive materials being buried at Parcel 2, the OSC will conduct a radiation survey to rule out any radiation concerns.
VDEM and the OSC will work on engaging CSX to conduct an assessment of Parcel 1.
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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 Cruz - EPA
2.5.2 Liaison Officer
2.5.3 Information Officer
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
Jack Tolbert - VDEM
Alex Sneed - DEQ
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
VDEM
DEQ
Town of Big Stone Gap
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4. Personnel On Site
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EPA - 1
START - 1
DEQ - 1
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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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