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Gatlinburg WWTP Tank Failure

All POL/SITREP's for this site Gatlinburg WWTP Tank Failure
Gatlinburg, TN - EPA Region IV
POLREP #1
Initial and Final POLREP 		Printer Friendly  |   PDF
 
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Gatlinburg WWTP Tank Failure - Removal Polrep
Initial and Final Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
Subject: POLREP #1
Initial and Final POLREP
Gatlinburg WWTP Tank Failure

Gatlinburg, TN
Latitude: 35.7345721 Longitude: -83.5217365

To:
From: David Andrews, On Scene Coordinator
Date: 4/8/2011
Reporting Period: 4/5/2011

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number:      Contract Number:  
D.O. Number:      Action Memo Date:  
Response Authority: CERCLA    Response Type: Emergency
Response Lead: PRP    Incident Category: Removal Assessment
NPL Status: Non NPL    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date: 4/5/2011    Start Date: 4/5/2011
Demob Date: 4/5/2011    Completion Date: 4/5/2011
CERCLIS ID:    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification: 4/5/2011
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:


1.1.1 Incident Category
Emergency Response

1.1.2 Site Description
The Gatlinburg Wastewater Plant is located near the Little Pigeon River, close to the Smokey Mountain National Park border, north of the City of Gatlinburg, TN

1.1.2.1 Location
1025 Banner Road, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
At approximately 0849hrs on 4/5/2011, a 3.2 MG equalization tank at the Gatlinburgn Wastewater Plant ruptured and released approximately 1.5MG of untreated wastewater in to the Little Pigeon River.  The immense volume of the release of pollutant/contaminant wastewater into the river presents a risk of ecological and/or human health impacts.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
TEMA, TDEC, and the National Park Service responded to the incident, in addition to local response departments, Sevier County EMA, and the contractor responsible for operating the facility (Veolia Water North America).
2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    2.1.1 Narrative
EPA Phone Duty remained in contact with the TEMA Area Coordinator On-Scene and the TDEC Responder On-Scene. Response information was forwarded to the EPA R4 Water Division. Smokey Mountain National Park rangers were also on-scene to coordinate with TDEC. EPA OSC Andrews, who was in the surrounding area, was mobilized to the scene to provide information to the Water Division. 

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
TDEC determined that no water intakes will be impacted, contingencies were being activated at the facility to partially bypass until operations resumed, and signs have been posted along the river to warn residents of possible bacterial contaminants. No EPA assistance was requested from the state. OSC Andrews demobilized on 4/5/2011.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
EPA R4 Water Division was notified of the response.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics
n/a
  2.2 Planning Section
   

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
TEMA and TDEC will continue to oversee response activities.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
The facility has activated contingency plans in accordance with TDEC oversight and approval.  Recovery work continues to perform the onsite and offsite cleanup, and to bring the facility back into operation.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps
See section 2.2.1.1

2.2.2 Issues
n/a
  2.3 Logistics Section
    n/a
  2.4 Finance Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.5 Other Command Staff
    2.5.1 Safety Officer
n/a

2.6 Liaison Officer
n/a

2.7 Information Officer
Media interest remains high.  Several media outlets have contacted the EPA regional office and requested response status information.  Information requests have been referred to the Water Division.

2.7.1 Public Information Officer
n/a

2.7.2 Community Involvement Coordinator
n/a
3. Participating Entities
  3.1 Unified Command
EPA was not incorporated into the on-site Unified Command.


3.2 Cooperating Agencies
TEMA
TDEC
Veolia Water North America
Sevier County EMA
City of Gatlinburg
(others n/a)
4. Personnel On Site
 
n/a
5. Definition of Terms
 
n/a
6. Additional sources of information
  6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
n/a


6.2 Reporting Schedule
n/a
7. Situational Reference Materials
 
n/a