1.1.1 Incident Category

Time critical removal action.

1.1.2 Site Description

 The site consists of a former high school building located at 8181 Greenfield, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48228 and surrounding property; Latitude: 42.353201 ° N, Longitude: -83.196917 ° W.

The immediate area is mixed industrial and commercial, with residential areas adjacent to the school as well.

1.1.2.1 Location

 See above.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

 Over 600 small containers of laboratory grade chemicals were abandoned in the building, most likely when the school ceased operation. These chemicals were found to be of various types including many labeled as poison. Also identified were wastes that were characteristically hazardous for corrosivity and ignitability and/or potentially reactive. Although EPA secured the building, trespassers have since broken in again and set at least one fire inside the building.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

EPA utilized ERRS to secure the property on August 9, 2014. On November 7, 2014, DFD request cleanup assistance from EPA as they could not get the owner to conduct the actions and DFD does not have the means to conduct the cleanup.

The response action taken temporarily mitigated threats by conducting site board up. Due to a lack of clear ownership, EPA has used enforcement procedures to contact property owners and secure access to further assess and clean up the site. 

2.1.1 Narrative

After a large degree of negotiation and tracking down potential responsible parties, EPA finally obtained signed access from the listed current owner.  EPA used this access to initiate a removal action as no viable assets were discovered to date that could fund the cleanup.

EPA determined that the chemicals continued to pose a threat of release and although protective measures such as board up had been taken, trespassing and vandalism continue to occur on site.  Removal of these chemicals, via lab-packing and off site disposition, is warranted.

 Subsequent to the initial actions, the property was sold again (without notification to EPA) and cleaned out.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

From July 13 to 21, 2015, EPA mobilized contractors to site to initiate the cleanup and stabilized the site.

From July 22, 2015 through October 10, 2015, EPAs contractor obtained bids for disposal and awarded those bids.

On October 20, 2015, EPA and its contractors returned to site to complete disposal activities.  Upon return, it was discovered that some unknown entity had initiated a cleanout of the premises and the waste containers were gone. 

After investigating the issue, EPA determined a new "owner" had hired contractors to cleanout the building. 

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

The owner and companies doing the cleanout have asked for information on the disposal of the waste.

Enforcement is ongoing. To date, no adequate response to where the waste went has been received.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

None.  Site will be closed.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

No further action.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

None.

2.2.2 Issues

On December 7th, 2015, the Site was referred by EPA to State of Michigan for additional follow up for potential disposal illegal activities.

EPA kept the site open in case additional information was obtained and proper disposal could have occurred. Since this didn't happen, the site will be closed.

2.5.1 Safety Officer
OSC

2.5.2 Liaison Officer
OSC

2.5.3 Information Officer

OSC

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

Detroit Fire Department

4 ERRS

1 OSC

ERRS  = Emergency and Rapid Response Service contractor

EPA = Environmental Protection Agency

OSC  = On Scene Coordinator

6.1 Internet location of additional information/report

NA

6.2 Reporting Schedule