|
Site Number: |
|
|
Contract Number: |
|
|
D.O. Number: |
|
|
Action Memo Date: |
|
|
Response Authority: |
OPA |
|
Response Type: |
Emergency |
|
Response Lead: |
EPA |
|
Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
|
NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
|
Operable Unit: |
EPA RX |
|
Mobilization Date: |
7/24/2011 |
|
Start Date: |
7/24/2011 |
|
Demob Date: |
7/26/2011 |
|
Completion Date: |
7/26/2011 |
|
CERCLIS ID: |
|
|
RCRIS ID: |
|
|
ERNS No.: |
|
|
State Notification: |
|
|
FPN#: |
E11006 |
|
Reimbursable Account #: |
10N0XCY |
1.1.1 Incident Category
OPA Emergency Response
1.1.2 Site Description
See 1.1.2.1
1.1.2.1 Location
The truck crash site is situated in the Columbia Gorge, east of Multnomah Falls on the south banks of the Columbia River. The Columbia Gorge is a National Scenic Area and the Columbia River is the largest river system in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to being a vibrant ecosystem, the Columbia River also supplies power via several hydroelectric dams. I-84 is the main east west freeway in Oregon and a heavily travelled tourist and commercial corridor.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
On July 24th around 1700 hours, a tanker truck hauling an estimated 6100 gallons of diesel and unleaded gasoline hit the side rail and over-turned in the eastbound lane near mile marker 34 on US Interstate Highway 84 just east of Multnomah Falls State Park. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The tanker truck was hauling a pup tank that came to rest on its side partially upside down in the ditch on the east side of the highway. The trailer was still connected to the tank truck which was on its side (passenger side) blocking both lanes of the I-84 east . The driver of the truck was taken to hospital and released with minor injuries.
The tanker truck bulk fuel tanks suffered valve and other damages resulting in at least one of the bulk tanks leaking profusely. Unleaded gasoline was observed draining from one bulk tank at the rate of about 1 gallon per minute. The gas reportedly infiltrated very rapidly into the subsurface.
The truck crash site is situated in the Columbia Gorge, east of Multnomah Falls on the south banks of the Columbia River. The Columbia Gorge is a National Scenic Area and the Columbia River is the largest river system in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to being a vibrant ecosystem, the Columbia River also supplies power via several hydroelectric dams.
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) was the first responder. Duty officer Steve Hays notified Gresham Hazmat, Corbett Fire and EPA. ODOT mobilized NRC Environmental Services Inc., to aid in recovery operations and closed the east bound lanes of I-84. After discussions with the PRP it was agreed that ODOT and its contractors would take the lead with a company representative (George Steagall) on scene. ODOT and hazmat personnel led the recovery of estimated 5200 gallons of combined diesel and unleaded gasoline fuels. The recovery operation was completed at approximately 0400 hrs on 7/25/2011 and I-84 Eastbound was reopened at 0530 hrs the same day.
FOSC Heister arrived on scene at 2100 hrs on 7/24/2011 and immediate was briefed by the IC, Capt. Basler, Corbett Fire. Gresham Hazmat also participated. After the briefing Heister met with Steven Hays, ODOT Hazmat Coordinator, who confirmed that they were receiving good cooperation from the PRP. Heister then spoke with Mr. George Steagall, PRP, who confirmed that he had authorized ODOT to lead the action with the assurance that his company would reimburse the State for the response. Heister explained his role as FOSC to Mr. Steagall. Heister remained on scene until all the fuel had been transferred to another tanker.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
On July 25, EPA On-Scene Coordinator Dan Heister walked the affected area along I-84 with ODOT’s Steven Hays and Oregon Department of Quality (ODEQ) Mike Greenburg. Evidence of fuel release were obvious in a small area of the crash site. However, no free standing fuel was observed. Coarse gravel and rocks underlie softer spongy plant material and based on the surface conditions it appeared any fuel released did not migrate far in a lateral direction. Ground water is very near the surface in this area and moves down gradient to the Columbia River approximately 250 feet to the north. Fuel recovery efforts and truck hauling manifests show that about 900 gallons of fuel directly infiltrated to the subsurface. No surface water or streams are present in the release area.
Hays, Greenburg, and Heister discussed the next phase of the response. It was agreed that ODEQ would lead the planned removal effort by having NRC mobilize a long-reach excavator to remove the contaminated soil and gravel on the south side of the east bound lanes along I-84. ODEQ will attempt to remove any contaminated groundwater on the north side of the west bound lanes of I-84 by installing monitoring and extraction wells to intercept and capture contaminated ground water migrating under the highway. The PRP has agreed to cover the States costs. Heister informed Hays and Greenburg that EPA would defer to the State and discontinue its involvement in the response.
|
