Pollution/Situation Report Profile

Lawrence Hardware
Sterling, IL - EPA Region V
POLREP #1
Initial POLREP

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Lawrence Hardware - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region V

Subject:

POLREP #1
Initial POLREP
Lawrence Hardware
C5X6
Sterling, IL
Latitude: 41.7864543 Longitude: -89.6937013

To:

From:

Ramon Mendoza, On-Scene Coordinator

Date:

5/2/2014

Reporting Period:

4/30/14 to 5/1/14

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	C5X6	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Action
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	5/1/2014	Start Date:	4/29/2014
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:	ILN000501562	RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category
Emergency

1.1.2 Site Description

The facility was operated by Lawrence Hardware, Inc. until 2006, when the Site was closed and abandoned. Lawrence Hardware, Inc. historically manufactured numerous products including metal door hinges, hinge pins, steel barn door hangers, bolted wheelbarrows, hay fork pulleys, and nails. On-site operations included wastewater treatment, plating, machining, and paper box manufacturing. The City of Sterling, Illinois acquired the Site through an involuntary taking due to delinquent taxes and is the current owner. The Site is part of a continued downtown development for the City of Sterling. The Site consists of one multi-story building that occupies approximately 3.5 acres and a railroad spur located north of the building. The Site is bordered to the north by a Union Pacific Railroad, with commercial and industrial properties and East 2^nd Street beyond; to the east by undeveloped land; to the south by the Rock River with the City of Rock Falls, Illinois beyond; and to the west by 1^st Avenue/Illinois Route 40 with industrial properties beyond.

1.1.2.1 Location
The Site is located at 2 1^st Avenue, Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois. Figure 1‑1 shows the Site location. The Site’s approximate geographical coordinates are 41°47'11.31" North latitude and 89°41'32.28" West longitude.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

The Site was referred to EPA after fire fighters discovered hazarrdous waste in response to an arson fire caused by trespassers in August 2013. EPA conducted its site assessment in Dec. 2013 and documented the following:
At least two drums of Sulfuric acid, Lab waste including cyanide, containers of reactive waste, solvents, at least 12 drums of contaminated used oil;. The site assessment also noted the presence of very old transformers on-stie. In addition there are at least three industrial size mercury switches.

On April 4, the City of Sterling reported another break-in by trespassers at the Site and EPA consequently decided to conduct an Emergency Removal action to prevent a release of hazardous substances to the community and to prevent anyone from being exposed to the hazardous substances on-site.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative

The EPA OSC and Removal Contractor conducted a site walk-through to plan for the mobilization on 4/30/14. After one day of preparation and logistics EPA and ERRS contractors mobilized to the site on 5/1/14.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

On 5/1/2014 The following response actions were taken:

-   two drums of sulfuric acid were collected secured.
- miscellaneous lab wastes including the liquid cyanide were collected and secured.
- 20 gallon container of sodium hydrosulfate (full) was secured.
-   12 transformers which may contain PCBs were documented and will need to be confirmed as deenergized before further investigation. .
-   1 suspected PCB transformer was discovered to have fallen off its stand and spilled its contents onto soil on-site.
-    After work hours Site security was acquired and site secured.


2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

- EPA is currently investigating the past ownership and operators of the Site and is planning to send out information request letters under CERCLA.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

*Waste Stream*	*Medium*	*Quantity*	*Manifest #*	*Treatment*	*Disposal*

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

- Initiate staging of hazardous and solid wastes for hazard categorization for disposal.
- Investigate and sample the 13 suspected PCB transformers (about 50 gallons each) , one of which has fallen onto the ground. Ensure that these are de-energized.
- Continue collection and staging of containers containing hazardous substances
- Collect mercury switches
- Provide security for all hazardous substances and wastes On-site.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

- Planning for transport and disposal

2.2.2 Issues

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

All personnel read and signed the Site Specific Health and Safety Plan.

2.5.2 Liaison Officer

N/A
2.5.3 Information Officer

None at this time. No media interest as this time.

3. Participating Entities

3.1 Unified Command

None

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

City of Sterling
Illinois EPA

4. Personnel On Site

1- OSC
4- ERRS contractors (EQM)

5. Definition of Terms

No information available at this time.

6. Additional sources of information

No information available at this time.

7. Situational Reference Materials

No information available at this time.

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