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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
01GV |
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Contract Number: |
EP-W-08-61 |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
11/17/2010 |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Time-Critical |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
11/17/2010 |
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Start Date: |
11/17/2010 |
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Demob Date: |
12/3/2010 |
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Completion Date: |
12/3/2010 |
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CERCLIS ID: |
MEN00010624 |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
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FPN#: |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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1.1.1 Incident Category
1.1.2 Site Description
On October 28, 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) received a request from Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) for assistance with a potential ammonia release at the abandoned Cooper Brothers apple processing facility in Turner, ME. The property has been through bankruptcy court and had not been occupied or maintained for several years. There are no utility services or water for fire suppression inside the building.
This Site is comprised of an abandoned apple processing facility located in a cluster of commercial and residential properties in a rural area of Turner, ME. The topography is generally flat.
1.1.2.1 Location
The Site is physically located at 1833 Auburn Rd (Rt 4) in Turner, ME and is more fully described in Book 6778, Pages 0183 at the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
The abandoned Cooper Brothers apple processing facility has unmaintained refrigeration units containing anhydrous ammonia which was being released to the environment. There are no parties available to address the release. The refrigeration system has not been maintained for several years. Pressure relief valves are rusted and piping shows evidence of corrosion. Evidence of trespass, vandalism and scavenging (including the removal of copper wire and pipes) is present and may be the cause of the current release. The potential exists for the catastrophic release of the remaining anhydrous ammonia in the system.
Census data indicates that there are 14 residents within one mile of the affected area; 12 residents are within ½ mile. Three residences are visible from the Site, and two businesses are located to the south and west, approximately 200 yards away.
The OSC, with concurrence from ME DEP responders, determined that the situation warranted appropriate time critical action to remove the remaining ammonia
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
Please refer to POLREP #1 for additional information
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
For earlier narrative history, please refer to previous POLREP.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
For response actions prior to November 22, 2010, please refer to previous POLREP.
November 23 to December 02, 2010
The ERRS contractor visited the property on a daily basis to monitor the ammonia levels in the warehouse and the ammonia engine room. Air levels gradually declined from 40 to 50 units to below 5 units inside the building.
December 3, 2010
ERRS contractor and subcontractor personnel were on site to transport the remaining ammonium hydroxide solution from the site. 10 drums (55 gallons each) and 1 tote (275 gallons) were transported to Spring Grove Resources recovery in Cinncinatti, Ohio for reclamation.
Following tranportation, ERRS contractors secured the building.
All response and cleanup actions were completed. All personnel and equipment were demobilized.
Case closed.
.2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
A Notice of Potential Liability letter was prepared and sent to the property owner of record on November 16. 2010. The property owner provided written assent to the access request on November 17, 2010.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| anhydrous ammonia |
liquid cooled |
1575 lbs |
Bill of lading
#118430 |
none |
re-use |
| ammonium /water |
liquid |
825 gallons |
Bill of lading
#383923 |
reclamation |
re-use |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
All actions are complete.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
None
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
.None.
2.2.2 Issues
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2.3 Logistics Section
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No issues. Equipment and personnel were mobilized and demobilized as needed,
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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2.5.1 Safety Officer
START and the OSC served as Safety Monitors for the activities at the site. A Health and Safety Plan (HASP) was prepared by START. All on-site personnel read and signed the HASP. Daily morning safety briefings were held and documented. Additional safety meetings were called as needed when site activities required a change in plans or the inception of new activities.
2.6 Liaison Officer
No liason was designated.
2.7 Information Officer
2.7.1 Public Information Officer
EPA regional PIOs were kept informed of site activities by either phone calls or email messages. There were no contacts from the press.
2.7.2 Community Involvement Coordinator
EPA regional CICs were kept informed of site activities by either phone calls or email messages. There was minimal contact with the community.
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
ME DEP and EPA formed Unified Command. The local fire, police and HazMat team were invited, but did not participate.
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
US Environmental Protection Agency - Region 01
Androscoggin County Sherrifs Office
Local (Auburn) Fire and HazMat
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4. Personnel On Site
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Peter Blanchard, ME DEP
Ted Bazenas and Alex Sherrin, US EPA - R1
ERRS - Response Manager, plus laborer (2 or 3)
WestonSolutions START - 1 tech spec
American refrigeration Company - 1 or 2 technical specialists
Tanner, Inc - 1 driver/tech spec
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5. Definition of Terms
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No information available at this time.
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6. Additional sources of information
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6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
6.2 Reporting Schedule
An intial POLREP/SITREP was produced for the time period 11/15/2010 to 11/23/2010.
Bulletin updates on Site activities were entered onto the webpage daily.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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