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Site Number: |
B4J4 |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
8/19/2012 |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Time-Critical |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
9/17/2012 |
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Start Date: |
9/24/2012 |
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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
Lead contaminated soil on 52 properties being removed as a time critical removal under CERCLA.
1.1.2 Site Description
The Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation
(TDEC) requested the EPA Region 4 Emergency Response and Removal Branch’s
(ERRB’s) assistance after discovering that the lawns of one residence and
potentially several more were contaminated with lead along Read Avenue near
downtown Chattanooga. Initially, one
resident along Read Avenue presented to the emergency room with severe fatigue
and abdominal pain. Emergency room blood work indicated lead levels approaching
20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dl) which alerted TDEC to conduct follow up
assessments. TDEC requested assistance from ERRB to characterize the soil
around the home and an initial assessment was conducted with SESD (Science and
Ecosystem Support Division) Athens in which three homes were assessed as well
as a public park and playground area at 1700 Mitchell Avenue. Ten samples were
collected and two samples showed elevated lead levels exceeding 400 ppm.
1.1.2.1 Location
The
Southside Chattanooga Lead Site is located along Read, Mitchell and Carr
Avenues south of Main Street in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee
(Latitude: 35.0456, Longitude: -85.3097). The area is a blend of young, middle
income couples who are renovating older constructed homes and low to middle
income retired couples who have resided in the area for 20 plus years. The vast
majority of homes were built in the early 1900’s.
The
Southside Chattanooga area is immediately adjacent to downtown Chattanooga and
was prone to flooding during the early 1900’s and prior to the development of
damming and flood control measures by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Several of the homes along Read and Mitchell Avenues appear to have been built
on 4-5 feet of clay fill.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
In response to a request from TDEC, the EPA Region 4 ERRB
with assistance from SESD Athens, conducted two follow up assessments of the
Read and Mitchell Avenue area in January and April 2012. Of the 81 homes (162 front and back yards)
assessed near downtown Chattanooga, 68 lawns (42 %) have lead levels exceeding
400 ppm. Lead levels range from 400 – 4000 ppm. The 4000 ppm sample was
collected from a lawn along the 1600 block of Read Ave and the sample contained
very dark fine material, most likely a high concentration of bag-house dust.
In addition, the Battle Academy Elementary School which
neighbors the site was sampled in mid June 2012. A 20’ by 20’ grid was laid
over the school property and 140 grids were screened using X-ray fluorescence
spectroscopy (XRF). No significant lead contamination was found and all lead
levels were below 55 ppm.
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2.1.1 Narrative
Dec 10th through Dec 15th, 2012
During the week of December 10th, Region 4 ERRB
continued removal actions in the Southside subdivision of Chattanooga, Tenn. ERRS
crew removed fencing from 1719 Read to gain access to excavation areas and
excavated contaminated soils from between 1715 and 1717 Read Ave and from
between 1717 and 1719 Read Ave. Vegetation was also removed as necessary to
gain access to contaminated areas.Clay backfill and topsoil was placed at the back yards of
1715, 1717 and 1719 Read and sodding was completed on Dec 14th.
Fence panels were also replaced at 1717 Read prior to the weekend and
vegetation was replaced to the three homeowners specifications.
START contractors continue to assist with technical support,
daily operations, post-excavation confirmation sampling using X-ray
fluorescence spectroscopy (Xrf) and air sampling during excavation and staging
of contaminated soils.
The OSC, Tenn Dept of Health and Tenn Dept of Environmental
Conservation (TDEC) are currently preparing an assessment strategy for
Chattanooga City Council addressing future lead assessments in the downtown
area. Chattanooga City Council has asked for a formal presentation on
Wednesday, Dec 19th. The OSC continues to coordinate all site activities with
state and local health authorities.
Dec 17th through Dec 21st, 2012
During the week of December 17th, Region 4 ERRB
continued removal actions in the Southside subdivision of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Heavy rain throughout the week limited excavation and backfilling activities at
1719 and 1721 Read and the decision was made to complete a small backyard
excavation at 1514 Mitchell Ave.
The owner at 1514 Mitchell requested that the area be backfilled with crush and
run for expanded parking rather than sod and the request was granted.
Vegetation which was removed from contaminated areas were replaced to the
owners specifications. The crew demobed on Dec 20th for the holiday
break.
A previously planned briefing for Chattanooga City Council
on Wednesday, Dec 19th was postponed based on City Council’s request for additional briefing updates
from Tenn Dept of Health and Hamilton County Health officials. City Council is
requesting that Tenn Health officials prepare a comprehensive lead awareness,
education and child testing program for concerned citizens near downtown. The
OSC continues to coordinate efforts with TDEC’s Andy Binford and Troy Keith and
Tenn Dept of Health’s Rebecca Gorham.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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