U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Green Lake Chemical House - Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region X
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Subject:
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POLREP #2
Update
Green Lake Chemical House
10ND
Seattle, WA
Latitude: 44.6751000 Longitude: -122.3230000
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To:
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From:
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Jeffry Rodin, OSC
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Date:
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4/8/2014
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Reporting Period:
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04/08/2014
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
10ND |
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Contract Number: |
EP-07-13-07 |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
4/3/2014 |
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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: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
4/7/2014 |
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Start Date: |
4/7/2014 |
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Demob Date: |
4/11/2014 |
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Completion Date: |
4/11/2014 |
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CERCLIS ID: |
WAN00101159 |
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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
1.1.2 Site Description
On March 25, 2014, the EPA received information from King County Hazardous Waste Program regarding the improper storage of chemicals within a residential neighborhood in the City of Seattle. Photographs taken by or in cooperation with members of the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) and King County Hazardous Waste Program (King Co.) were provided to EPA. The photographs depict a number of containers with a variety of hazardous chemicals on the Property. Based on the labels in these photographs, the chemicals on the Property appear to include elements or compounds of arsenic, benzidine, cadmium, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrite, carbon tetrachloride, and vanadium pentoxide.
The chemicals found on the Property could pose a substantial threat to public health and the environment if released. After discussions with the SFD and King Co., EPA concluded that an immediate investigation and removal of the chemical threats was appropriate.
On March 28, 2014, the EPA and an EPA technical contractor visited the property with consent of the residents. On the side of the house and in the backyard, and the basement area a large number of containers, both labeled and unlabeled, containing various chemicals were present. Many containers appeared improperly managed, with many rusting and exposed to weather. Labels observed included poison and corrosive. Containers with the following specific labels were also were observed: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid„ lead oxide, chromium chloride, and vanadium pentoxide.
There are numerous unlabeled containers located on the property. Most of the unlabeled containers contain liquid which is not yet identified.
After observing the quantity and kinds of hazardous chemicals located on the Property, and considering the hazards posed by these chemicals, including the threats of exposure and fire, EPA determined that containers and chemicals on the Property should be removed immediately in order to protect both the occupants of the Property as well as the adjacent neighbors and surrounding neighborhood.
There was a chemical company registered at the address in the past. EPA could find no indication of any commercial activity at this address in over 20 years.
1.1.2.1 Location
The residence is located within the City of Seattle, Green Lake neighborhood. The Green Lake neighborhood is a high density residential area. Adjacent neighboring homes are characterized by narrow lot lines. The residence is also located less than .25 miles from the 1-5 corridor.
Containers are located in the side yard, back porch and along the West fence line of the back yard. Access to the side yard and back porch is restricted to a narrow winding path often with containers or debris limiting access. Containers are also located in the detached garage, attic, and personal vehicle.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
Numerous chemical containers are present on the property and within the basement of the residence. The amount of containers and debris makes accessing these areas difficult. Many of the chemicals on site are specifically listed as a hazardous substance subject to CERCLA. 40 C.F.R. Table 302.4. The EPA determined that the improperly stored chemicals and other hazardous substances pose an actual or potential threat of release to the environment. Many of the chemicals are old and expired, with negative value. Many chemicals are not properly stored and incompatible chemicals are stored adjacent to each other.
Some specific hazards observed: carbon tetrachloride is designated as a potential carcinogen; sodium hydroxide may react with water to cause spontaneous combustion; and hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid can all cause severe burns to skin, eyes, and lungs upon direct contact.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
There have been no known government or private cleanup actions undertaken at the Site to date.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
The EPA will direct its contractor to continue to characterize the chemicals and containers at the Site for disposal purposes. Material that is clearly labeled or otherwise identified as non-hazardous or not containing CERCLA hazardous substances will be segregated. All other known or suspected hazardous substances will be bulked or otherwise packaged appropriately for shipment to an off-site facility.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Chemicals are being removed from the rear porch, north side yard, and minimal work has begin at the entrance of the basement in order to prepare for possible electrical inspection and future clearing of chemicals. Chemicals which are in labeled containers are segregated into DOT shipping categories, moved to the staging/segregation area (on the sidewalk), inventory is collected on a digital form, the material is then placed in a lined 55-gallon drum. The contents of unlabeled containers have been identified via field hazard categorization techniques performed on site by chemists. In this station, a multi-step process is employed to determine the hazard category to which the chemical belongs. After categorization, the chemical is moved to the staging/segregation area where it is inventoried and placed into lined 55-gallon drums for shipment and off-site disposal.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
175 unknown containers of chemicals underwent the field hazard categorization process. Twelve 55-gallon drums and 6 cubic yard boxes were shipped from the site on 4/8/14. In addition, 26 55-gallon drums are in progress of being prepared for off-site shipment.
The material has been segregated into twelve total waste streams: flammables; corrosive acids; corrosive bases; corrosive base amines; organic amines; poison/toxic substances; oxidizers; peroxides; flammable solids; water reactives; hazardous debris; other regulated material.
Most of the containers are small (<1 gallon), unlabeled, and in many cases, stored in inappropriate containers (open containers, soda bottles, Tupperware-type containers, etc.).
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Segregation of chemicals in the back porch, north side yard, and near the entrance to the basement in preparation for off-site disposal and transportation.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
Segregation of chemicals in the back porch, north side yard, and near the entrance to the basement in preparation for off-site disposal and transportation.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
Continue to segregate chemicals outside of the home.
2.2.2 Issues
Chemicals that were not anticipated are being encountered in the residence, the van, and the detached garage. Neighbors reported the owner had stored cylinders and chemicals in a van parked on the street. A cylinder was viewed in the van through the rear window. The contents and stability of the cylinder is unknown. Neighbors also reported the storage of chemicals in the detached garage structure. Upon opening the garage, a strong chemical odor emanated. Bags of unknown contents were noted on wooden shelves along the north side of the garage. A small trail is present next to these shelves and chemical containers were noted along the back wall of the garage. Due to the amount of trash and debris in the garage, it is currently not safe to enter the structure to determine the if the contents in the bags or bottles are hazardous materials.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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Collection and segregation of chemicals from the back porch, the north side yard, and near the entrance to the basement on 4/8/14. Chemicals that are not in marked containers are having the 10-step hazard categorization performed on them. After hazard categorization is performed, the chemicals are placed into DOT shipping categories and placed in lined 55-gallon drums to be transported off-site for disposal. Chemical inventory information is being collected at the segregation point.
No entry into the garage or van is being conducted at this time. Storage pods were delivered to the site in order to manage debris from the garage.
Incoming US Postal Service delivery was accepted by the EPA attorney and delivered to the homeowner.
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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
Safety at the site is being coordinated by the Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) contractors under a unified Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan. A Health and Safety meeting was conducted by ERRS and attended by EPA personnel, Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) personnel, Global Diving Personnel, and Philips personnel.
2.5.2 Liaison Officer
One EPA Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) is present at the site. Fact sheets were distributed today to houses in the neighborhood.
2.5.3 Information Officer
One EPA Public Information Officer (PIO) is at the site to coordinate media relations and neighbors.
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Cooperating Agencies
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4. Personnel On Site
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One EPA PIOs
One EPA CIC
Two EPA On-Scene Coordinators
One EPA Attorney
Two EPA Civil Investigators
Six START contractors
Four ERRS contractors
FourPhilips Services personnel (a subcontractor to ERRS)
Two Global Diving (a subcontractor to ERRS)
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5. Definition of Terms
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START - Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team
ERRS - Emergency and Rapid Response Services
CIC - Community Involvement Coordinator
PIO - Public Information Officer
SFD - Seattle Fire Department
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6. Additional sources of information
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6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
Documents and additional information on the site can be found at the following location:
www.epaosc.org/GreenLKChemHouse
6.2 Reporting Schedule
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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