Pollution/Situation Report Profile

35th Avenue Site
Birmingham, AL - EPA Region IV
POLREP #15
Phase 4

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
35th Avenue Site - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV

Subject:

POLREP #15
Phase 4
35th Avenue Site
B4M3RV00
Birmingham, AL
Latitude: 33.5627531 Longitude: -86.7989565

To:

From:

Richard Jardine, On-Scene Coordinator

Date:

8/18/2015

Reporting Period:

7/28/2015 to 8/18/2015

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	B4M3RV00	Contract Number:	EP-S4-07-02
D.O. Number:	00034	Action Memo Date:	9/25/2013
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Time-Critical
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Action
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	2/17/2014	Start Date:	2/18/2014
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:	ALN000410750	RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:	SEP 2013
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

As detailed in an Action Memorandum dated September 25, 2013, EPA had initially identified approximately 50 properties in the Birmingham communities of Fairmont, Harriman Park, and Collegeville that exhibited levels of soil contamination that exceed, either threefold or a magnitude of measure, Region 4 residential removal management levels for lead, arsenic, and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to contamination deposited by airborne means over the previous 100 years, or potential contaminant migration due to flooding, these properties likely received fill material from one or more of the local industrial businesses. For further discussion of background information, please refer to previous POLREPs for this Site.

Early in the removal action for the 50 homes, EPA amended the original scope of work to allow for greater consistency with remedial goals that provide for a more permanent remedy. An Action Memorandum dated March 12, 2014 described the amended scope of work.

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated August 11, 2014, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where the soil concentrations for contaminants of concern exceed Region 4 Removal Management Levels and children either live there or routinely and frequently visit. This change of scope included approximately 30 properties, including the Collegeville Center and North Birmingham Homes public housing developments.

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated January 6, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed two times the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for carcinogens; specifically arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene. This change of scope included approximately 35 properties.

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated July 20, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for contaminants of concerns; specifically arsenic, lead, and benzo[a]pyrene. This change of scope includes approximately 260 properties.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

Phase 4 removal activities:

Six residential properties have been excavated and backfilled. Two residential properties are being prepped for excavation. One residential property is currently being excavated.

Phase 4 sampling activities:

Surface sampling for direct contact threat is complete at 23 residential properties. Depth sampling is complete at 49 properties which includes Old Carver High School (18 sample locations on 1 property).

Community outreach:

EPA attended three public neighborhood meetings located in Collegeville, Harriman Park, and Fairmont. Communities were updated on Phase 4 transition, obtaining access agreements for sampling, answer questions, and discuss concerns. So far, EPA has obtained about 30 additional access agreements for sampling.

EPA and ATSDR held a joint public meeting and public availability session for the communities during the evening on August 20 at Bethel Baptist Church.

Briefing and tour of community and site highlights were provided to Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response, Regional Administrator, and other senior-level managers on August 7. In addition, senior managers met with Birmingham Mayor, community leaders, and visited historic Bethel Baptist Church.

EPA continues to meet with property owners on an ad hoc basis at the Command Post or at their respective properties to answer questions regarding the pending excavation efforts and respond to their concerns.

The Community Center in downtown Birmingham is currently staffed daily, Monday to Friday, to answer community questions/concerns by phone or in person regarding the site.

Air monitoring:

START continues to monitor site conditions including air monitoring and sampling as well as removal documentation and soil profiling as directed by the OSC. Air sampling has included periodic personnel air sampling on a representative ground technician and an excavator operator. To date, air monitoring indicates all operations are well controlled and have minimized blowing dusts.

State and local governments coordination:

EPA continues to work with AL DOT regarding soil contamination concerns involving Shuttlesworth Bridge construction in Collegeville. AL DOT is voluntarily conducting a removal action in the bridge construction area. EPA also met with the City of Birmingham to discuss how abandoned residential buildings on potentially contaminated property and potentially containing asbestos should be handled. EPA OSC randomly but regularly seek to observe activity by others to ensure that work is adequately protective.

EPA continues to work with the City of Birmingham officials regarding demolition and reclamation of residential lots within the site boundary and Jefferson County DOH regarding lead concerns in children.

2.2 Planning Section