Pollution/Situation Report Profile

May 2010 Tennessee Floods
Nashville, TN - EPA Region IV
POLREP #6

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
May 2010 Tennessee Floods - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV

Subject:

POLREP #6
May 2010 Tennessee Floods

Nashville, TN
Latitude: 36.0991230 Longitude: -86.7587600

To:

From:

Jeffery Crowley, On-Scene Coordinator

Date:

5/9/2010

Reporting Period:

0700 5/9/2010 through 0700 5/10/10

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:		Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	Stafford Act	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	FEMA	Incident Category:	Removal Assessment
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	5/3/2010	Start Date:	5/3/2010
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:	5/2/2010
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

This is a response to severe flooding in portions of Western and Central Tennessee, which occurred due to heavy rains May 2 through May 3, 2010, and has been declared a National Disaster Area. To date, 42 counties have been declared.

1.1.2 Site Description

EPA has responded to extensive flooding in Central and Western Tennessee caused by heavy rain May 2 and 3, 2010. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the National Guard Armory in Nashville, TN. EPA Emergency Response and Removal Branch (ERRB) mobilized under a request from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) under ESF-10 to conduct Oil and Hazardous Substance Assessment and Recovery in the designated counties of Tennessee.

1.1.2.1 Location

Currently EPA has set up an Incident Command Post (ICP) in Nashville at the TEMA EOC with Operations being conducted in Central (Nashville) and Western (Jackson) Tennessee.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

On May 2 through May 3, 2010, Central and Western Tennessee received approximately thirteen inches of rainfall, surpassing both 6 and 24-hr record rainfall amounts. The excessive rainfall led to extensive flooding of river systems in Central and Western Tennessee.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative
EPA is coordinating with TEMA, FEMA, and TDEC to assess impacted areas for oil and hazardous material releases. Currently, EPA Operations are divided into a Western and Central Tennessee Branch. OSCs Garrard and Dixon are conducting assessments in Central Tennessee out of the Nashville ICP and OSCs Gaughan and Byrd are conducting assessments in Western Tennessee based from Jackson. EPA currently has two missions, (1) To assess designated counties for oil and hazardous material releases due the flooding and (2) to remove and dispose of oil and hazardous materials discovered in these impacted areas.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
During this operational period, the Central Tennessee Operations Branch divided into two assessment teams lead by OSCs Dixon and Garrard. The assessment team lead by OSC Garrard utilized a boat provided by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to assess impacts along the Cumberland River reported to EPA by the Cheatham County Fire Department for the presence of oil and hazardous materials. The team also conducted drive through assessments of Sumner, Wilson, Smith and Trousdale Counties. The assessment team lead by OSC Dixon began reassessment of facilities in Davidson County reported from reconnaissance activities earlier in the week. The team also conducted drive through assessments of Macon, Clay, Jackson, and DeKalb Counties.

The Western Tennessee Operations Branch was divided into two teams lead by OSCs Gaughan and Byrd. The Assessment Team led by OSC Gaughan began reconnaissance activities in Gibson, Obion and Crockett Counties. The Assessment Team led by OSC Byrd conducted assessment in Fayette County and further assessment in Shelby County.

Central Tennessee Operations Branch-OSC Dixon Assessment Team

Davidson County

The Assessment Team reassessed January Environmental. No facility crews were observed; however, there were three tanker trucks observed on site. The silo containment area was free of material, which was assumed to have been loaded into the tanker trucks for transport. Paved areas appeared to be pressure washed; however, due to no contact with the facility owner(s), further follow up on the site is necessary.

The Assessment Team reassessed Lion Environmental and met with the Terminal Manager, Mr. Paul Poindexter. The manager reported no losses of hazardous materials. The facility hired a tank and pipeline inspector to check the integrity of all tanks. The site should not require further follow up by EPA.

The Assessment Team reassessed Marathon at Nashville Terminal. A worker reported there were electrical issues; however, no releases had occurred. The site should not require further follow up by EPA.

The Assessment Team reassessed Citgo at Nashville Terminal. No crews were observed on site; however, an oil spill and diesel fuel spill formerly on the premises had been clean up. The site should not require further follow up by EPA.

The Assessment Team reassessed Advanced Plating and met with owner Steve Tracey. The owner reported all materials had been containerized in chemical totes and should be shipped by the end of the week. EPA will follow up with the owner to confirm no hazardous materials are still on site.

Macon County

The team attempted to contact the EMA director; however he was unavailable at the time of assessment. The team conducted drive-through assessments and observed no oil releases or hazardous materials. There were no areas of concern reported during the reconnaissance; therefore, a follow up assessment by EPA will not be required.

Clay County

The team attempted to contact the EMA director; however, he was unavailable at the time of assessment. The team conducted drive-through assessments and observed no oil releases or hazardous materials. There were no areas of concern reported during the reconnaissance; therefore a follow up assessment by EPA will not be required.

Jackson County

The Assessment Team contacted EMA director Mr. Jeff Davenport, who reported there were no facilities of concern for observed release or potential release of hazardous materials. The EMA director reported the local waste water treatment plant currently had mitigation efforts underway. The team conducted drive-through assessments and observed no oil releases or hazardous materials. There were no areas of concern reported during the reconnaissance; therefore, a follow up assessment by EPA will not be required.

DeKalb County

The team attempted to contact the EMA director; however, he was unavailable at the time of assessment. The team conducted drive-through assessments and observed no oil releases or hazardous materials. The Assessment Team assessed the Smithville Waste Water Treatment Plant in response to NRC incident report #939043, which references the Bon L facility, to determine the correct location referenced. The waster water treatment plant operator said the facility was minimally impacted by floods and were handling the facility clean up. The incident report was likely referring to Bonnell Aluminum facility in Gordonsville (Smith County). The Assessment Team lead by OSC Garrard was sent to the Bonnell facility to confirm. There were no areas of concern reported during the reconnaissance; therefore, a follow up assessment by EPA will not be required.

Central Tennessee Operations Branch-OSC Garrard Assessment Team

Sumner County

The Assessment Team located two abandoned drums in Gallatin, Sumner County. One empty 55 gallon drum was observed on a debris pile. A second 55 gallon drum was observed to be 90% submerged in water. The Assessment Team could not access the drum or read the label on the drum. The team attempted to contact the EMA director; however, no contact was made. GPS coordinates were collected for both areas and reported to the Data Management Team. EPA will follow up on these locations.

Wilson County

The Assessment Team conducted a reconnaissance of areas throughout Wilson County and did not locate any facilities with a potential or observed release of hazardous material. The team attempted to contact the EMA director; however, no contact was made. The areas visited were primarily residential. EPA will follow up with the county and make contact with the EMA director.

Smith County

The Assessment Team assessed facilities throughout Smith County. The team visited Bonnell Aluminum facility, also known as Bonnell William Company. The team met with the guard at the facility who gave the team contact information for the Environmental Manager of the facility who will be on site May 10^th. The guard informed the team that the facility received twenty two inches of water; however, he was unaware of any releases at the facility. The EPA will follow up with the Environmental Manager at the facility.

Trousdale County

The Assessment Team conducted a reconnaissance of areas throughout Trousdale County and did not locate any facilities with a potential or observed release of hazardous material. The areas visited were primarily residential. The EPA will follow up with the EMA director.

Rutherford County

The Assessment Team conducted a reconnaissance of areas throughout Rutherford County and did not locate any facilities with a potential or observed release of hazardous material. The team attempted to contact the EMA director; however, no contact was made. The areas visited were primarily residential. EPA will follow up with the county and make contact with the EMA director.

Western Tennessee Operations Branch-OSC Gaughan Assessment Team

Gibson County

The Assessment Team assessed the Star Concrete Pumping Company. Three, possibly four drums were observed, as well as one tote and one fuel tank. Property was not fully assessed due to snakes observed near the facility. EPA will further assess the location once flood waters recede. A residence in the area had various household hazardous waste (HHW), such as paint cans. It was reported that the neighborhood could possibly benefit from HHW sweeps. Residences along North College Street had approximately four feet of water. Residents reported FEMA had not been onsite to date. The local police department in Kenton was closed. Once the water recedes, EPA will follow up on these locations.

Obion County

The Assessment Team traveled to Union City where the team spoke with local residents to discuss facilities with observed release or potential of release. No facilities were reported and no flooding was observed. In the city of Obion, minimal residential flooding on the south side of town was observed. The residences could possibly benefit a HHW sweep. EPA will follow up with the residents in this location.

Crockett County

The Assessment Team conducted a reconnaissance of areas throughout Crockett County, such as Friendship, Maury City and Alamo and did not locate any facilities with a potential or observed release of hazardous material. The team also spoke with local residents about areas of concerns. The areas visited were primarily residential with no problems observed; therefore, no further follow up is required by EPA.

Western Tennessee Operations Branch-OSC Byrd Assessment Team

Shelby County

The Assessment Team completed reconnaissance throughout locations along US 64 East in Memphis. There were no locations with observed or potential release of hazardous materials; therefore, no further follow up is required by EPA.

Fayette County

The Assessment Team assessed the city of Oakland, where no locations with observed or potential release were reported. The team completed reconnaissance of Cypress Creek and along the Loosahatchee River in Somerville. One drum was observed near a bridge off of Highway 59 near the Loosahatchee River tributary. No other hazardous locations were reported. EPA will follow up on the location with the abandoned drums.

EPA Water Division Under ESF-3

Background:
The Water Team ESF-3 Mission Assignment was received late Friday May 7, 2010, EPA is being subtasked to respond to middle and western Tennessee flooding. Dan O'Lone (drinking water) and Sean Ireland (wastewater) representatives were deployed on Saturday to meet with TDEC to discuss the Water Team’s scope of work.

TDEC has established a database that outlines the status of wastewater facilities impacted by the flooding. This information was collected primarily through phone calls with TDEC during the past week, but data is becoming somewhat dated (some from May 3rd). Overall it is understood that 8 WWTPs (Waste Water Treatment Plants) were inundated with flood waters and 20 were in some way compromised.

TDEC Division of Water Supply has a spreadsheet identifying 5 PWSs currently on a Boil Water Notice and 9 PWSs (Public Waster Supplies) with Diminished Capacity. There were efforts today with EPA, TDEC, and Metro (KR Harrington Plant) to establish the best approach to bring the 100 MGD (Million Gallon per Day) plant back on line. There was a question about the 10 MG clearwell (finished water) possibly being compromised with flood waters. TDEC visited the plant and worked with EPA to establish an acceptable series of steps for the plant to take to begin producing water later this coming week. Currently the demand for the system is being met by its sister plant.

TDEC is requesting 12 members of the Water Team to assist with direct assessment of impacted facilities, establish their operational status, and prioritze facilities’ requests for aid to TEMA and FEMA. Team members are also being requested to conduct drinking water testing with a mobile laboratory and to collect wastewater and surface water samples for shipment to the SESD (Science Ecosystems Support Division) laboratory.

Current Activities:

EPA met with USACE an TDEC drinking water reps to discuss the needs and status of water and wastewater facilities impacted by the floods. Additional communications with Atlanta have centered around logistics of deploying a mobile laboratory and the technical staff necessary to fill the requests of TDEC.

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

Reconnaissance activities include TrussCraft Marina, where items observed include: five 55 gallon hydraulic oil drums, one 55 gallon drum of motor oil (15W-40), three 55 gallon drums of transmission fluid, two 55 gallon drums of unknown materials (one of which was empty, one with residue powder still inside).

Orphaned drums along the Richland Creek Flood Plain will be assessed by the Central TN Assessment Team lead by OSC Garrard.

The Western TN Assessment Team lead by OSC Gaughan will make efforts to reassess Dyer County. The Assessment Team lead by OSC Byrd will conduct inspections at impacted FRP locations. OSC Byrd will participate in the overflight of Shelby County to be done by the Sheriff Department. Efforts will be made by EPA to contact EMAs and Environmental Managers at facilities of concern. EPA will also visit facilities reported of concern.

The IC will plan clean up activities to take place at Nashville Electric Service, where a 500 gallon spill was observed.

Water Team
EPA anticipates that four wastewater and two drinking water assessment technical staff will be deployed Monday May 10, 2010, arriving in Nashville in the late afternoon. They will be debriefed and prepped for assessing water and wastewater infrastructure on Tuesday. Half of the staff will be stationed in Jackson while the other half will remain in Nashville. Each team will be working with TDEC staff at the regional field offices. Assessment will consist of calling utilities and visiting utilities to determine the flood damage and assist in prioritizing needed repairs and resource requirements to get facilities operational.

Laboratory staff will begin preparation on Monday for deployment of one mobile laboratory to the Jackson TDEC field office on Wednesday. An additional mobile laboratory may be available for deployment sometime next week. Each mobile lab is capable of analyzing up to 300 Microbiological samples daily for drinking water assessment. Additional sampling staff from SESD will arrive with the mobile lab, but will be dedicated to sampling wastewater discharges and surface water.

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

2.3 Logistics Section