1.1.1 Incident Category

Threat assessment

1.1.2 Site Description

Partially filled, deteriorated, 10,000 gal capacity #6 oil tank in an abandoned paper converter (toilet paper) mill.

1.1.2.1 Location

The mill and oil tank are located on the north bank of the Battenkill River, a major fishing and recreational waterway that is a tributary of the Hudson River.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The threat is the possibility that oil remaining in the deteriorated tank could be released into the Battenkill River.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

To be determined.

2.1.1 Narrative

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

Since 2002 there has been one CERCLA PRP oversight removal action, 3 CERCLA Fund-lead removal actions and on OPA removal action performed at this site.

On 10/20/2015 the OSC inspected the #6 oil tank and determined that there is approx. 1,800 gallons of aged product in the tank. The OSC observed that two of the 4 sides of the containment wall have been demolished (collapsed?) and the tank is exposed to any encroaching flood water.  As such, the OSC has determined that the contents of the tank pose a threat of release of petroleum products to a navigable waterway of the U.S. 

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

There is one PRP, the son of the former owner who is now deceased.  He has previously demonstrated to not have the financial resources necessary to conduct a removal action.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

The OSC is investigating oil removal services that would take the contents of the tank in lieu of payment for T & D services, i.e. at no cost to the government.  Absent those arrangements being made, the OSC will contact the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and obtain funds from the Coast Guard.  The OSC will mobilize an EPA ERRS contractor to the Site and remove/dispose of the contents of the tank.

 2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

See above.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

See above.

2.2.2 Issues

None.

* 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.