1.1.1 Incident Category
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Incident Category:  Manufacturing/Processing/Maintenance - Lumber and wood products/wood preserving/treatment

1.1.2 Site Description

The site is the former Hoosier Wood Preservers.  The site is 7.75 acres in size and has ten buildings, including process buildings, storage buildings, a garage, and office. 

The facility operated from 1969 to 2013 as a wood treating business that used chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and borate in pressurized wood treatment cylinders.   Historically, the facility also used creosote and pentachlorophenol to treat wood.  The facility has been abandoned since 2013. 

1.1.2.1 Location

Hoosier Wood Preservers is located at 3605 Farnsworth Street in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Site coordinates are 39.7224100 degrees north latitude and 86.2212300 degrees west longitude.  The site is located approximately 3.5 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis.

The surrounding area is primarily industrial, although commercial properties are located to the south.  Residential properties are within 200 feet to the east and northeast.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Arsenic is present in soil, material on the ground, and fire debris at a maximum concentration of 272,000 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), above the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) industrial Removal Management Level (RML) of 300 mg/kg. Arsenic is a hazardous substance as defined by section 101(14) of CERCLA. Laboratory analytical results confirmed the presence of arsenic at concentrations exceeding relevant regulatory and screening levels.  Hazardous substances represent an actual or potential exposure threat to nearby human populations. Possible release mechanisms for arsenic in soil include fugitive dust generation; tracking of contaminated soil, ash, and material on the ground; and dermal contact with contaminated material. Exposure routes include direct contact, ingestion, and inhalation of arsenic particles. Potential human receptors include trespassers, emergency response workers, future site workers, and nearby residents. There was evidence of trespassing at the site.  Residential properties are located within 200 feet of the site. 

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

See previous Pollution Reports (PolRep).

2.1.1 Narrative
EPA signed an Action Memorandum on August 8, 2015 to conduct time-critical removal actions including excavating approximately 4,000 tons of soil to a depth of two feet bgs, contaminated material from the floor of the Wood Stacker Building, and ash from the Drip Pad Building; investigating geophysical anomalies to an approximate depth of 10 feet bgs; treating contaminated material with Free Flow 100®, or a similar reagent, prior to disposal; and consolidating and packaging hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants for transportation and off-site disposal in accordance with the EPA Off-Site Rule, 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 300.440; and 

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

For the period from November 16-20, 2015, EPA:   

• Completed removal of debris from Wood Stacker Building;
• Completed removal of fire debris from the Treatment Building;
• Began breaking up and removing concrete from the Drip Pad Building;
• Investigated six geophysical anomalies.  At Anomalies 1-3, EPA found construction and demolition debris, including concrete, cinder blocks, and piping, from the former Treatment Building (see geophysical survey map in Documents section and photos in Images section).  EPA noted the presence of green material on concrete and other debris.  It appeared that the drip pad in the former Treatment Building was covered over with building debris and improperly closed in place.  At Anomalies 4 and 5, EPA found buried piping:  EPA did not find anything metal at Anomaly 6; 
• Collected samples from material excavated from geophysical anomalies and a liquid sample from a vault in the former Treatment Building;
• Conducted air monitoring for particulates;
• Disposed of charred wood and debris; and
• Received treatment chemicals.

After site work on November 17, 2015, the after-hours security guard caught a trespasser at the site.  The security guard called Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, who apprehended the suspect.  However, the trespasser requested medical assistance and subsequently escaped during transport to a local hospital.  It does not appear that the trespasser stole or damaged anything.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
EPA identified the current property owner and the former operator of the wood treating business.  Information on these parties is in the site file.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
The following section details anticipated activities.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
EPA will begin treating waste prior to disposal and dispose of waste.  The site will be shut down from November 25-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Site work will resume on November 30th.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps
See above.

2.2.2 Issues

None

2.5.1 Safety Officer
On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) Lam is responsible for addressing worker health and safety concerns at a response scene, in accordance with 40 CFR § 300.150.  Site personnel are working under a site-specific HASP, and attending daily health and safety briefings.

2.5.2 Liaison Officer

Not applicable (NA)

2.5.3 Information Officer

NA

3.1 Unified Command
NA

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
For additional information, refer to www.epaosc.org/hwptcr.

6.2 Reporting Schedule