Pollution/Situation Report Profile

Powell Lead
Big Stone Gap, VA - EPA Region III
POLREP #2
Surface Soil Sample Results for Parcel 2

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Powell Lead - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region III

Subject:

POLREP #2
Surface Soil Sample Results for Parcel 2
Powell Lead
A3XF
Big Stone Gap, VA
Latitude: 36.8607475 Longitude: -82.7954852

To:

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

From:

Francisco J. Cruz, On-Scene Coordinator

Date:

6/20/2014

Reporting Period:

03/18/2014 - 06/07/2014

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	A3XF	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Time-Critical
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Assessment
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	3/18/2014	Start Date:	3/18/2014
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

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. 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. The fencing is in a state of disrepair.

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. Residents near the site are

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).

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative

Please see POLREP 1 for information on previous activities.

OSC Cruz and Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) members conducted a surface soil sampling event on Parcel 2 on March 19, 2014. Twenty-two locations were screened for lead using a XRF. The XRF indicated lead levels ranging from approximately 5.8 ppm to 1267 ppm. Six samples were chosen by OSC Cruz for further laboratory analysis to confirm lead levels and potential PCB contamination. One additional sample was taken to obtain a background level, and another sample was used as a duplicate for quality assurance purposes.

Laboratory analysis of the six samples indicated lead levels ranging from 62.4 ppm to 1880 ppm. PCB contamination ranged from Non-Detect to 22,000 micrograms per kilogram (ug/kg). OSC Cruz sent a copy of the Trip Report for the sampling event to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to aid in the development of a Health Consultation for the site.

On 03/28/2014, CSX and their contractors erected a temporary fence around Parcel 1 to prevent trespassing. CSX plans on determine the extent of contamination on their parcel. CSX will keep the OSC, VDEM, and DEQ informed on their progress.

During the sampling event, a nearby resident expressed concerns of radioactive material being buried at the site. START conducted a radiological assessment of Parcel 2 on 04/16/2014. START did not find any significant levels of radioactivity.

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. Lead contamination ranges from 62.4 to 1880 ppm. PCBs range from Non-Detect to 22,000 ug/kg. CSX has erected a fence around Parcel 1 to prevent trespassing on their property.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

CSX has take responsiblity for conducting an assessment of Parcel 1, and has expressed a willingness to conduct removal actions on the property, if needed. The OSC will continue to work with enforcement officials on determining any other PRPs for the site.

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

A surface soil sampling event of Cadet Park, adjacent to Parcel 2, will be conducted to determine if the park is impacted by lead and PCB contamination from Parcel 2.

OSC Cruz is working with VDH and ATSDR to determine potential health risks posed by the site.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

A surface soil sampling event on Cadet Park will be conducted.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

Following the sampling event on Cadet Park, the OSC will determine if further action is warranted.

2.2.2 Issues

The OSC will work with VDH and DEQ to determine if the site poses a public health risk.

2.3 Logistics Section