1.1.1 Incident Category

CERCLA Incident Category: Inactive Production Facility

1.1.2 Site Description

The site encompasses approximately 4 acres and consists of a large facility building and exterior tanks. The site is a former Biodiesel production facility that was abandoned in June, 2014. It is owned by Odessa Public Development Authority (ODPA) and was leased to Transmessis Columbia Plateau, Inc for their Biodiesel production operations. The building is in an industrial area, but is located in the town of Odessa, and commercial and residential areas are nearby (<1000ft). Crab Creek is located to the south and west of the site. The interior of the building contains several unsecured large process tanks and chemical totes that have not been drained and decontaminated. Many drums and totes are leaking and in poor condition located throughout the facility. Several incompatible chemicals were found stored together and risk a spontaneous chemical reaction and/or fire/explosion.

1.1.2.1 Location

The site is located at 206 W Railroad Street, Odessa WA (47.334154, -118.695334). 

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

There are several chemicals on site that were initially involved in various processes of Biodiesel production.  Known chemicals at this time are (Methanol, Sodium Methylate, Glycerin, Sulfuric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.  There are large quantities of methanol (35,000 gal), sodium methylate (1000 gal) and glycerin (4,000 gal) in large tanks. Totes of sulfuric acid were found leaking and releasing to the floor of the facility.  Valves on storage tanks appear to be corroding and have crystals forming.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

On March 3, 2015. Jerry French, with the Department of Ecology, conducted a visual inspection of the exterior of the property. Due to his findings, he requested EPA assistance in touring the facility. Mr. French performed an inspection of the interior of the building on March 10, 2015. EPA , START and ERRS assessed the facility on March 12, 2015. The combined assessments found ~1000 chemical containers ranging from large Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST) to totes and buckets in various states of integrity. It was determined that EPA, START and ERRS would mobilize on 3/17/2015 to stabilize and mitigate the hazards at the site.

2.1.1 Narrative

EPA, START and ERRS arrived on site 3/17/2015 to receive the keys to the facility and began setting up for work operations.  ERRS has contracted with Stericycle for disposal of the chemicals.

On 3/18/2015, ERRS began opening tanks and assessing the contents.  START provided sampling and HazCat support to assist in disposal characterization.  Stericycle Lab Packed loose chemicals found in the lab and around the facility.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

03/17/15

Mobilization to site and planning/prep for site activities.

03/18/15

Began removal of lab pack chemicals and assessment of large tanks for quantity/contents. Performed Hazard Categorization analysis on unknown wastes. Generated sampling approach for samples to be sent to NEIC for analysis.

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

TransMessis Columbia Plateau, LLC is the potentially responsible party. Samples were collected to confirm and verify to meet RCRA waste characterization criteria.  Various EPA inspectors are expected to be on site on 3/19/15

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

ERRS has lab packed loose chemicals and overpacked several drums of solid waste.START analyzed 12 samples via HazCat, and has inventoried the large tanks and totes.

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

Chemicals will continue to be processed and segregated into waste streams for disposal.  Samples will be taken for enforcement purposes.  Tanks will be emptied, but not rinsed, nor will lines be drained/rinsed.  HazCat operations will continue to support the segregation and disposal of waste streams.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

EPA is meeting with EPA inspectors on site on 3/19/15 as well as a representative from Ecology.

2.2.2 Issues

None at this time

* The above accounting of expenditures is an estimate based on figures known to the OSC at the time this report was written. The OSC does not necessarily receive specific figures on final payments made to any contractor(s). Other financial data which the OSC must rely upon may not be entirely up-to-date. The cost accounting provided in this report does not necessarily represent an exact monetary figure which the government may include in any claim for cost recovery.

http://www.epaosc.org/odessadiesel