Pollution/Situation Report Profile

Maynard Terrace Methane
Atlanta, GA - EPA Region IV
POLREP #2

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Maynard Terrace Methane - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV

Subject:

POLREP #2
Maynard Terrace Methane

Atlanta, GA
Latitude: 33.7460940 Longitude: -84.3337449

To:

From:

Randy Nattis, OSC

Date:

9/23/2010

Reporting Period:

9/22/2010 - 9/23/2010

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 Action
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	9/21/2010	Start Date:
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category - Emergency

1.1.2 Site Description - Unmitigated methane which is congregating in utility boxes and sewer pipes discovered in Atlanta neighborhood.

1.1.2.1 Location - 241 Maynard Terrace, Atlanta, GA

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat - explosive

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results - Explosive vapors are detected subsurface and in the water meter boxes, cracks in concrete surrounding a relatively new (2007) town house development and surrounding soils throughout the property

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative - ATL Fire requested federal assistance in identifying source and required action to mitigate explosive threat of uncontained methane gas emanating from subsurface of a residential development. Methane is theorized to be coming from unpermitted burial of organic debris prior to the development of the project.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date -EPA alongwith city of Atlanta fire department and GA EPD has taken over 10,000 of monitoring readings in the below ground, ground level and within homes using flame ionization detectors as well as Multi Gas detector, Combustible Gas (LEL), Oxygen (02), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). So far no levels of concern are in the above ground environment, which includes the residential town homes and in the common or shared space around the town homes. However, monitoring results in the below ground surface (bgs) using the water meter boxes as access points are returning levels at or above 100% of the LEL. These monitoring results are consistent in all but one of the 24 monitoring points throughout the developed section of the property. Please note that f
or methane, the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) is 5% and the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) is 15%.
Using a landfill gas detection meter in those same monitoring locations, results have been as high as 60% of gas by volume in air, 4 times the UEL. During the operational period, these results have varied little.
EPA and START, along with EPA’s ERT and ATSDR are developing a sampling strategy. Sampling for Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using Tedlar bags has started to help rule out other potential hazards of concern.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) - PRP has been called and has expressed concern and has hire ERM. ERM is currently on site and is developing a air monitor strategy for the residential properties and exterior areas. EPA is currently looking at issuing a RCRA 7003 emergency Administrative order against the PRP to mitigate the emergency situation, which will include a health and safety plan, a home monitoring program and a hazard removal mitigation plan.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities - EPA will remain on site in UC with City of Atlanta FD and GA EPA until such time the Administrative order can be signed. EPA's START contractors will continue to monitor and sample until the Unified Command is prepared to transfer full monitoring responsibilities to the PRP

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities - EPA and START will resume sampling activities tomorrow which will include the use of summa canisters for bgs soil gas sampling.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps - EPA, working with UC will develop a statement of work for the RCRA 7003 Administrative order.

2.2.2 Issues - PRP understanding the nature of the emergency response and responding accordingly. If the Unified Command feels that the PRP is not responding with the necessary means to protect the safety of the residents as well as mitigate the threat, additional local, state or federal actions may be required.

2.3 Logistics Section