Pollution/Situation Report Profile

DIVEX Corporation Explosives Site
Columbia, SC - EPA Region IV
POLREP #1
Initial

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
DIVEX Corporation Explosives Site - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV

Subject:

POLREP #1
Initial
DIVEX Corporation Explosives Site
04D0
Columbia, SC
Latitude: 34.1535980 Longitude: -81.1033090

To:

From:

Terry Stilman, On-Scene Coordinator

Date:

12/21/2010

Reporting Period:

12/17/10 - 12/21/10

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	04D0	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:		Start Date:	12/17/2010
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category
Assessment

1.1.2 Site Description

On December 17, 2010, the Richland County, SC Fire Department requested EPA assistance after discovery of several cylinders and a waste pile. The Site was originally referred to EPA in October of 1993 and was the subject of EPA response actions through 1996. The original action involved five properties throughout Richland County, including this property located along Montgomery Road. The Divex Corporation manufactured explosives, including shock sensitives.
1.1.2.1 Location
The Site is located along Montgomery Road, adjacent to one of the former facility buildings in a rural residential area.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
The Montgomery Road facility at one point contained over 40,000 pounds of high explosives, including “RDX”, “Comp-B”, “Octol”, “HDX”, “Dynamite”, “TNT” and ordinances. The facility also contained, gas cylinders, drums, and unknown laboratory chemicals.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
On December 21, 2010, EPA OSC Stilman mobilized to the Site based on a report of abandoned cylinders and other waste from the defunct explosives manufacturing facility. During OSC Stilman’s assessment, additional cylinders, a waste pile which included evidence of drum disposal and liquid waste disposal piping not addressed during the previous EPA actions were found. According to the Richland Fire Department, the material is similar in nature to what was found during the 1993 – 1996 action.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative
Based on the presence of material, similar in nature to the hazardous substances found on-site in the past (shock sensitives, explosive compounds, pyrophoric liquids and gases, flammable liquids, air reactives, pyrophoric liquids and gases, oxidizers, poisons A and B, radioactive substances, carcinogens, corrosives, etc.), and the potential for area residents coming in contact with the hazardous substances at this unsecured Site, OSC Stilman has determined that a response action is necessary and will activate EPA’s ERRS and START contractors to assist.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
The Richland County Fire Department will continue to monitor the Site until EPA can arrange for propoer disposal.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
N/A
2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Richland County will continue to investigate additional reports of abandoned cylinders in the area.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
See Emergency Action Memorandum for a description of planned Response Actions
2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

2.3 Logistics Section