1.1.1 Incident Category

Leaking Oil filled drums

1.1.2 Site Description

Five abandoned 55-gallon steel drums and one abandoned 15-gallon steel drum were discovered in Affton Missouri and reported on March 1, 2016 by the Missouri Department of Transportation.  The Missouri Department of Transportation requested assistance from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources with removal of the abandoned containers.

On March 2nd, 2016, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources requested EPA assistance with assessing the abandoned drums. EPA dispatched an On-Scene Coordinator. The drums were found to be full, laying on their sides, publicly accessible and leaking oil. An immediate action was taken to stabilize the drums and stop the leaking oil. The drums were righted, overpacked in containers drums and removed from the scene of abandonment the afternoon of March 2nd.

1.1.2.1 Location

The incident occurred at Union Road and Interstate 55. The 6 drums were dumped along the southbound shoulder and rolled off toward a Gravois Creek drainage ditch. Gravois Creek empties into River des Peres and ultimately to the Mississippi River approximately 3 miles down gradient of the scene. The approximate coordinates of the incident location are: Latitude 38.5416700N, Longitude: 90.3025800W. This incident occurred in unincorporated Affton, Missouri next to interstate 55 and in a predominantly residential neighborhood.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Six abandoned drums were found laying on their side leaking oil to the ground. The drums were found to be in a high risk environment and were determined to be unstable by the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. 

The six drums were highly visible and accessible by the public and in a predominantly residential area along a heavily used sidewalk and roadway. There was high risk of individuals tampering with the drums potentially resulting in substantial discharge of oil to Gravois Creek.

The six drums were found in unstable condition. They were found laying on their sides. Multiple drums were found to be bulged at the ends. Bungs on the drums were found to be loosely secured resulting in oil leaking to the ground.

Abandoned in plain sight, these drums were leaking, accessible by passers by, and threatening to impact Gravois Creek (listed in the National Hydrographic Dataset as a HUC12 watershed). If left unaddressed the drums would continue to leak impacting the creek and were at high risk of being tampered with by passers by. Approximately 290 gallons of oil / oil-water were contained in the 6 abandoned drums.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

On 3/2/2016, Federal On-Scene Coordinator Heath Smith assessed the location of the abandoned drums. He noticed stained vegetation around the drums, oil leaking from bungs and that the drums were bulged. He determined that drums were likely pushed from a vehicle or trailer from Union Road and rolled toward the drainage ditch that flows into Gravois Creek. Because the drums were unsecure, leaking, publically accessible and threatening a waterway and because rain was forecasted the night of 3/2 and on 3/3, a removal was recommended.

The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) was opened on 3/2/2016 for the amount o$10,000 for assessment and disposal of the leaking drums under the project number E16703.

2.1.1 Narrative

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

During the afternoon of 3/2/2016, the EPA Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) was activated to perform work for EPA. OSC Smith tasked the ERRS contractor to stabilize and remove the leaking containers from where they were dumped, perform an assessment and arrange for disposal. Six abandoned drums were overpacked in salvage containers and transported to a secure location. On 3/3/2016, samples were collected from the 6 abandoned drums. Three separate phases of liquid were observed consistent with heavy weight oil, medium weight oil (similar to used motor oil), and water. Sample results confirmed field screening that the drums contained petroleum mixed with water. A petroleum recycler was contacted and the drums were shipped on 3/2/2016 .

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

There have been no PRPs identified for this incident.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

No further action planned. 

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

No further action planned.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

No further action planned.

2.2.2 Issues

The 6 abandoned drums were found to be leaking oil adjacent to a ditch leading to a jurisdictional waterway. The drums were accessible to the public and unstable. There was no place to secure the drums at the location in which they were dumped. 

Sampling confirmed the contents of the drums to include oil and water. It appear they were waste from a home auto shop or commercial automobile shop. 

2.5.1 Safety Officer

No safety issues have been identified.

2.5.2 Liaison Officer

EPA is coordinating with the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

2.5.3 Information Officer

 No issues.

3.1 Unified Command

Unified Command was not established.

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

Onsite personnel included during the afternoon of 3/2/2016:

• EPA On-Scene Coordinator
• EPA ERRS contractor crew

Currently there are no personnel on-site.

6.1 Internet location of additional information/report

 Additional information can be found at: http://www.epaosc.org/unionavedrum

6.2 Reporting Schedule

This is the first and final Pollution Report.