1.1.1 Incident Category
Emergency Response

1.1.2 Site Description
Abandoned 53' trailer with approximately 150 drums and various containers.

1.1.2.1 Location
Trailer was parked at 4000 W 35th Place, Chicago, IL

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Actual or potential exposure to nearby human populations, animals, or the food chain from hazardous substances or pollutants or contaminants.
The trailer was abandoned in an industrial area. Approximately 150 drums, containers and lab chemicals are abandoned at the site. With no security, exposure could result from trespass, an accidental or intentional release, and/or fire.

Hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants in drums, barrels, tanks, or other bulk storage containers, that may pose a threat of release.
None of the drums or containers identified at the site had secondary containment. Minor to moderate spillage/leaking was observed inside and outside of the trailer.

The availability of other appropriate federal or state response mechanisms to respond to the release.
No other federal or state response mechanism is available to respond in a timely manner given the exigencies of the situation.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

The City of Chicago Department of Public Health reported an abandoned box trailer to the National Response Center.  This report indicated a trailer with seventy 55 gallon drums and 10 to 20 various other sized containers carrying other unknown materials. This report also indicated that some of the containers had leaked and a small amount of material impacted the tires of the trailer.

OSC Brown arrived on-scene with START around 1500 on 5/11/16 to begin an initial assessment of the abandoned box trailer.  The trailer was full of drums and smaller containers containing unknown plating wastes and materials.  Two leaks in the front and rear of the trailer were observed from the street.  Field screening tests taken of the leaking material indicates it to be a strong acid (pH of 1).

2.1.1 Narrative

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
On May 12, ERRS began over packing and transferring drums and containers to other trailers. Transfer operations continued through 5/13/16 and two trailers containing approximately 150 drums and containers were transported to the Chicago Department of Health’s Household Hazardous Waste Yard at 1150 N. North Branch Street.

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

While transferring drums and containers ERRS and START documented labels and collected all available shipping documents. These materials will be transferred to enforcement personnel to assist in identifying potentially responsible parties.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

Segregating and sampling drums and other miscellaneous containers at Chicago Hazardous Waste Recycling Center at 1150 North Branch Chicago, IL.  These activities will occur during the week of May 15th, 2016.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

Samples will be haz-catted the following week and submitted to the lab for more complete analysis.  Disposal cost estimates and waste profile will be developed.  Waste material will be consolidated and disposal activities are anticipated to occur in June of 2016. 

 2.2.1.2 Next Steps

ERRS will begin haz-catting drums and containers to develop disposal profiles.

Abandoned trailer will be turned over to the Chicago Police Department for impounding and disposal. 

2.2.2 Issues

None at this time.

2.5.1 Safety Officer

Matt Villacana

2.5.2 Liaison Officer

OSC

2.5.3 Information Officer

 OSC

ERRS - 6

START - 2

EPA - 1

6.1 Internet location of additional information/report

6.2 Reporting Schedule

Next PolRep will be distributed to cover sampling activities at 1150 North Branch.