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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
06ZQ |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
4/2/2010 |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
PRP Oversight |
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Response Lead: |
PRP |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
12/8/2010 |
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Start Date: |
12/8/2010 |
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Demob Date: |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
TXN000606611 |
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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
RP lead CERCLA time critical removal action
1.1.2 Site Description
The site encompasses approximately 25 acres. The removal action is to stabilize the site by designing and constructing a physical protective barrier surrounding waste ponds 1 and 2 that temporarily abates the release of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (and possibly PCBs) into the San Jacinto River, until the site is flllly characterized and a remedy is selected.
1.1.2.1 Location
The Site is in Harris County in the State of Texas. The Site itself
has no specific street address. The Site is comprised of two waste ponds
with three surface impoundments built in the 1960's. The ponds and
impoundments are situated on a partially submerged 20-acre parcel of
real property. The Site is located on the western bank of the San
Jacinto River, in Harris County, Texas, immediately north of the
Interstate Highway 10 (1-10) bridge over the San Jacinto River.
Available information indicates the two waste ponds were built during
1965 by constructing berms within the estuarine area just north of what
was then Texas State Highway 73 and is now 1-10, west of the main river
channel, east of the City of Houston, between two unincorporated areas
known as Channelview and Highlands.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
The waste paper sludge was placed in the two ponds on the Site. Waste
pond 1 is located on the western portion of the Site totaling 132,386
square feet. Waste pond 2 which consists of two surface impoundments are
on the eastern portion of the Site totaling 46,182 square feet and
188,641 square feet respectively. Currently, the Site is inactive and
approximately half of the Site's surface area, including the abandoned
waste disposal ponds, is now submerged below the adjacent San Jacinto
River's water surface. Waste pond I with one impoundment is partially
submerged and waste pond 2 with the two impoundments is completely
submerged in the San Jacinto River.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
The primary hazardous substances documented at the Site are
polychlorinated dibenzo-pdioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. At
the time of the signing of the Action Memo, dioxin concentrations as high
as 41,300 parts per trillion have been found in sediment samples
collected from the Site's disposal pond areas and hom river sediments
near the Site. Sediments contaminated with high levels of dioxin have
been found in the San Jacinto River both upstream and downstream from
the Site due to tidal influences. Additional sediment samples were
collected in compliance with the Action Memo, dioxin concentrations as
high as 360,000 parts per trillion have been found in sediment
samples collected from the submerged portion of the waste disposal ponds
as well as dioxin concentrations as high as 3,660 parts per trillion
action level in sediment sanlples collected outside the original 1966
berm placement for the two waste ponds indicating the release of dioxin
from the original location of the waste ponds.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
In accordance with the statement of work (SOW), in the EPA Administrative Order on Consent (AOC), the respondents International Paper Company Inc. (IP) and McGinnes Industrial Maintenance Corporation (MIMC) have 30 calender days to begin construction for the time critical removal action. On November 8, 2010 the EPA finalized a work plan that details the construction of a temporary cap that will stabilize the release or threat of release of hazardous substances into the San Jacinto River.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
In accordance with the EPA approved work plan, the respondents have mobilized equipment and resources on December 8, 2010 to the site and have begun site management activities. These activities include the ordering of equipment and resources, clearing and grubbing around the lay down area, and the repair / installation of site security fencing.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
Currently, EPA is working with International Paper Company Inc. and McGinnes Industrial Maintenance Corporation under an EPA issued Administrative Order on Consent.
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
• Survey and install Phase II fencing at Big Star property and realign fencing and install new fencing along the TxDOT ROW.
• Obtain validated data from environmental sampling on Big Star property.
• Mark impoundment trees for clearing and grubbing.
• Install impoundment perimeter signs and install buoys.
• Prepare and submit purchase orders for aggregates and rock.
• Commence site preparation work related to the laydown/storage area on the Big Star property and mobilize a trailer to be located on a portion of the laydown/storage area.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
• Continue site preparation of lay down area and access road for mobilization of equipment and resources.
2.2.2 Issues
• As of 12/09/2010 access agreements for the Big Star Property (a.k.a. lay down area) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Right of Way (ROW) areas near the site have not been finalized for use by the respondents.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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No information available at this time.
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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
2.6 Liaison Officer
2.7 Information Officer
2.7.1 Public Information Officer
2.7.2 Community Involvement Coordinator
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3. Participating Entities
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No information available at this time.
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4. Personnel On Site
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No information available at this time.
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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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No information available at this time.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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