Pollution/Situation Report Profile

Karolina Polymers
Hickory, NC - EPA Region IV
POLREP #1
Initial

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Karolina Polymers - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV

Subject:

POLREP #1
Initial
Karolina Polymers

Hickory, NC
Latitude: 35.7088260 Longitude: -81.3396530

To:

From:

Kenneth Rhame, On Scene Coordinator

Date:

1/17/2010

Reporting Period:

1/16/2010

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:		Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Assessment
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	1/16/2010	Start Date:	1/16/2010
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category
CERCLA-Emergency Assessment

1.1.2 Site Description
Abandoned polymer manufacturer, Karolina Polymer, is a large builing located in a mixed residential/comercial neighborhood and is located on a unnamed tributary to the Henry Fork River, a public water supply.

1.1.2.1 Location
Karolina Polymer is located at 1508 South Center Street, Hickory, Catawba County NC.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
US EPA while responding to a oil spill in Hickory NC was requested by the Hickory Fire Dept to conduct an assessment at the Karolina Polymer facility. EPA obtained access and conducted a site visit on 1/15/2010. EPA observed several drums with various labels (flammable, caustic, etc.), a potential radioactive source, concrete pits containing oil and various chemicals.The Fire Dept informed EPA that they had responded to the facility when a fire sprinkler system froze and ruptured, flooding the building. The creek in the back of the facility has evidence of previous spills (a oil stain above the waterline). It is believed that the flooding could have caused the pits to overflow and reach a drain leading to the creek as there is oil and chemicals on the floors of the facility. EPA requested START support to collect samples on 1/16/2010. START arrived and collected 8 samples for analysis. EPA observed approximately 1 pound of mercury in various mercury switches. The facility is not secure, gate is not locked, several areas in the fence that have been cut, and there is evidence of trespassing with the presence of grafiti on the walls. There is the possibility that a homeless family may be living in the front office as there is a area that appeared to be a sleeping area, EPA also observed several pairs of a childs shoes and toys.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
EPA notified NC DENR Radiation Protection, Radiation Protection responded due to the suspected radiological source. They determined that the source is Krypton-85, a radiological gas. The gas is still present in the instrument. EPA and START contractor collected samples for analysis on 1/16/2010. These results are expected to be available on Wednesday 1/20/2010. EPA also observed approximately 1 lb of mercury in various mercury switches throughout the facility. START screened some drums with pH paper and observed pH as high as 13.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative
US EPA while responding to a oil spill in Hickory NC was requested by the Hickory Fire Dept to conduct an assessment at the Karolina Polymer facility. EPA obtained access and conducted a site visit on 1/15/2010. EPA observed several drums with various labels (flammable, caustic, etc.), a potential radioactive source, concrete pits containing oil and various chemicals.The Fire Dept informed EPA that they had responded to the facility when a fire sprinkler system froze and ruptured, flooding the building. The creek in the back of the facility has evidence of previous spills (a oil stain above the waterline). It is believed that the flooding could have caused the pits to overflow and reach a drain leading to the creek as there is oil and chemicals on the floors of the facility. EPA requested START support to collect samples on 1/16/2010. START arrived and collected 8 samples for analysis. EPA observed approximately 1 pound of mercury in various mercury switches. The facility is not secure, gate is not locked, several areas in the fence that have been cut, and there is evidence of trespassing with the presence of grafiti on the walls. There is the possibility that a homeless family may be living in the front office as there is a area that appeared to be a sleeping area, EPA also observed several pairs of a childs shoes and toys.
EPA notified NC DENR Radiation Protection, Radiation Protection responded due to the suspected radiological source. They determined that the source is Krypton-85, a radiological gas. The gas is still present in the instrument. EPA and START contractor collected samples for analysis on 1/16/2010. These results are expected to be available on Wednesday 1/20/2010. EPA also observed approximately 1 lb of mercury in various mercury switches throughout the facility. START screened some drums with pH paper and observed pH as high as 13.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
EPA is awaiting analytical results to determine actions.

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

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Continue Site Evaluation and Review Data.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
To be determined.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

2.3 Logistics Section