U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Biotech Industries - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
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Subject:
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POLREP #1
Initial
Biotech Industries
Newton, NC
Latitude: 35.6140810 Longitude: -81.3654540
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To:
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From:
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Kenneth Rhame, OSC
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Date:
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1/25/2011
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Reporting Period:
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
B4E3 |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
Response Lead: |
PRP |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
1/24/2011 |
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Start Date: |
1/24/2011 |
Demob Date: |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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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
CERCLA-Emergency Assessment
1.1.2 Site Description
Biotech Industries is an active chemical distribution facility that provides chemicals for pools, wood bleaching, textiles and other applications. The operation is housed in a large building approximately 600 feet from Jacobs Fork Middle School and 1,000 feet from Fred T. Foard High School.
1.1.2.1 Location
Biotech Industries is located at 3561 Plateau Road,Newton, Catawba Country, NC28658.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
NC DENR requested EPA assistance after performing a routine inspection of Biotech Industries. EPA, DENR and START performed a walkthrough and assessment on 1/24/2011. EPA observed hundreds of drums in the warehouse section of the facility. Many drums were labeled corrosive, flammable, oxidizer, toxic, etc, some drums were unlabeled. A large number of drums were rusted, dented,punctured or otherwise compromised. EPA observed drums with material leaking onto the floor. Drums contained compounds such as sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, acetone and various alcohols. EPA observed a drum containing several buckets which contained mercury switches. Drums containing various chemicals were not segregated by hazard class with flammables being located directly next to oxidizers and corrosives. Due to the instability of the site (leaking drums, incompatible materials) and proximity to school, EPA initiated a Emergency Response Action.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
EPA observed hundreds containing hazardous substances including flammables, oxidizers, toxics, etc. START performed air monitoring with at TVA-1000 and obtained PID reading of over 800 ppm when uncapping an unlabeled drum. EPA observed drums with a white crystallized substance covering the top and part of the side. Many drums are compromised in various ways and some are leaking onto the floor. One drum contains several buckets containing mercury switches.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
NC DENR requested EPA assistance after performing a routine inspection of Biotech Industries. EPA, DENR and START performed a walkthrough and assessment on 1/24/2011. EPA observed hundreds of drums in the warehouse section of the facility. Many drums were labeled corrosive, flammable, oxidizer, toxic, etc,some drums were unlabeled. A large number of drums were rusted, dented, punctured or otherwise compromised. EPA observed drums with material leaking onto the floor. Drums contained compounds such as sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, acetone and various alcohols. EPA observed a drum containing several buckets which contained mercury switches. Drums containing various chemicals were not segregated by hazard class with flammables being located directly next to corrosives. The property is located within 1000 feet of a middle school and a high school. The property owner maintained that he received the material from various business and was paid for disposal. He claims that he intends to either sell or recycle the majority of the material and consolidate and dispose of the rest. Biotech Industries is the consolidation of S&W Chemicals and Catawba Chemicals, both of which were owned by the owner of Biotech.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
EPA performed an assessment of the site and spoke with the owner regarding site stabilization.
Due to the instability of the site (leaking drums, incompatible materials) and proximity to school, EPA initiated a Emergency Response Action.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
Biotech Industries is the PRP. The president of Biotech signed an Access Agreement and Notice of Federal Interest. Biotech has agreed to fund the site stabilization activities and has contracted Southern Logistics to perform the work. The work will include properly containerizing all hazardous and non-hazardous materials which are in compromised containers based on visual inspection, segregating all materials based on compatibly and providing an inventory of all hazardous and non-hazardous materials on site.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities EPA will conduct oversight of the PRP contractor until the work is completed to satisfaction. START contractor Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises (OTIE) will conduct oversight. 2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
2.2.2 Issues
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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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No information available at this time.
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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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US EPA NC DENR-RCRA Catawba County Fire Marshal Catawba County Emergency Management START
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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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