1.1.1 Incident Category

Deteriorated containers of aged known and unknown pesticides in a dilapidated building with questionable security.

1.1.2 Site Description

The Site is a small building located on the grounds of a former VA hospital.  The property was transferred to the Puerto Rican government and the small building is used by the PR Dept. of Health to store pesticides that are part of a Dengue Fever prevention program.  For reasons currently unknown, the building became a repository for a variety of other pesticides, some of which are not made for mosquito control.

1.1.2.1 Location

The Sits is located on the fringe of a forested area in Guaynabo, a suburb of San Juan.  Adjacent to the building is a subdivision of residential properties and some light commercial businesses.  The Site is about 2 miles away from Ft. Buchanan, a PR National Guard facility, and a municipal prison. 

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The threat is a possible release of very dangerous chemicals in the event of a fire in the unsecured building or damage to the building from a hurricane.  Inasmuch as the building is not secured, there is a threat of individuals entering the building and coming into contact with the ages pesticides within.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

See Image Section.

2.1.1 Narrative

See below.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

EPA OSCs did a drive-by the building and took photographs through the doorway that has a missing door.

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

The responsible party (RP) is the PR Department of Health.  EPA OSCs have contacted the RP and was informed that the DOH has been negotiating a contract for the removal of the chemicals since 2012.  The DOH person stated that the award of the contract was imminent and there may be some contractor work starting as soon as the week of March 6th.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

EPA will work with the DOH to determine if the RP is able to perform the response action.  If the RP can indeed arrange for a contractor to perform the necessary response  action it will provide general oversight of the response.  If the RP is unable to perform the response action EPA will consider initiating a Fund-lead response action.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

 See above.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

Determine the ability of the RP to perform a response action. 

2.2.2 Issues

 The ability of the RP to fund and perform a removal action.

3.1 Unified Command

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

PRDOH

6.1 Internet location of additional information/report

 See Documents Section for the MSD sheet for Surrender Pest Tabs, aka fire ant killer.

6.2 Reporting Schedule