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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 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.
For a full site description see POLREP 1 (Initial POLREP)
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.
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.
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.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
See Initial POLREP.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
The following table indicates the amount of chemicals processed by date:
| Date |
HazCat Completed |
Inventory Completed |
| 4/7/2014 |
78 |
169 |
| 4/8/2014 |
174 |
359 |
| 4/9/2014 |
141 |
424 |
| TOTAL |
393 |
952 |
The following table displays the containers that have been prepared for off-site transportation and disposal:
| Date |
Overpack Drums Shipped |
Overpack Drums In Progress |
Cubic Yard Box Shipped |
| 4/7/2014 |
0 |
17 |
0 |
| 4/8/2014 |
12 |
26 |
6 |
| 4/9/2014 |
10 |
18 |
3 |
| TOTAL |
22 |
61 |
9 |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Segregation of chemicals from the interior of the house on the main floor living space and in the attic and the garage.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
Segregation of chemicals from the interior of the house on the main floor living space and in the attic and the garage 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
Hazard Characterization Issues:
- Many of the unknown chemical containers on site appear similar in nature however, field hazard categorization results indicate differing hazard classes. Due to the different hazard classes which may be present, the continuing hazard categorization for all individual containers is necessary, and we are unable to group similar appearing chemicals.
Removal and Staging Issues
- Chemicals were observed toward the rear of the garage. Debris was stacked ceiling high throughout the entire length of the garage. Safe entry into the structure to assess and retrieve the chemicals required removal of the debris first. Much of the debris had rotted due to a leaking roof. Approximately 12 cubic yards of material was moved into portable pods that were delivered to the site on 4/8/12.
- Over 100 chemical containers and a compressed gas cylinder were removed from the garage.
- A container of ether, which poses a potential shock sensitivity was discovered in the attic. Ether requires additional handling procedures prior to off-site transportation and disposal. This container was located on the basement floor in a pathway and covered by cardboard debris. It is possible the container was stepped on multiple times prior to its removal.e
- A container of hydrazine, which is corrosive and toxic, was discovered in the attic. Hydrazine requires additional handing procedures prior to off-site transportation and disposal.
- Because of the numerous individual containers
from inside and outside of the structures, additional ERRS and subcontractors have been mobilized to the site.
- Chemical containers and cylinders are visible
through the back window of the van and still require assessment and removal.
- There is a large extent of debris removal that
is being required in order to access the chemicals inside the residence.
Because of this debris, additional personnel have been mobilized to assist this
effort.
Miscellaneous Issues:
- Due to the appearance of potentially unsafe electrical updates to the home, a City of Seattle Inspector was contacted to advise EPA on how to proceed to make the house and basement safe to enter and retrieve chemicals. An electrical contractor mobilized to the site to turn off the breakers and wire temporary electrical to the house.
- All entries into the living quarters of the residence are conducted with a minimum of 2 personnel for safety and liability.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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Collection and segregation of chemicals from the basement of the house. Continuation of field hazard categorization of unknown chemicals from the house and the basement. For additional details see the Initial POLREP.
No entry into the van is being conducted at this time.
Incoming US Postal Service delivery was accepted by the EPA OSC 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
1 Assistant US Attorney
2 King County Hazardous Waste Program personnel
1 Seattle Fire Department PIO
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4. Personnel On Site
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1 - EPA PIO
1 - EPA CIC
2 - EPA On-Scene Coordinators
1 - EPA Attorney
2 - EPA Civil Investigators
1 - Assistant United States Attorney
1 - EPA Liasion (Relocation Support)
6 - START contractors
4 - ERRS contractors
4 - Philips Services personnel (a subcontractor to ERRS)
2 - Global Diving (a subcontractor to ERRS)
1 - Social Worker (a subcontractor to ERRS)
1 - Electrician (a subcontractor to ERRS)
Other Agencies and personnel who were on site today included:
2 - King County Hazardous Waste Program personnel
1 - Seattle Fire Department PIO
1 - City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development (Electrical inspection)
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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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