EPA is continuing emergency removal actions at this site during the repackaging, transportation, and removal of flammable magnesium materials. Magnesium generators, who previously supplied Remacor with recyclable magnesium and magnesium alloys, are removing their materials from the site.
EPA’s ERRS is repackaging material from Building #9. PADEP is providing technical and oversight support at the site. EPA START contractor TechLaw is providing technical and administrative support to the EPA. EPA and PADEP officials continue to control access to the site in addition to coordinating the activities of the various generators.
Personnel On-Scene:
06/17/08 PADEP-1, START-1, ERRS-8, Other-2, Security-1 (24 hr)
06/18/08 PADEP-1, START-1, ERRS-7, Security-1 (24 hr)
Weather:
06/17/08 Low of 72° F, high of 80° F Mostly Cloudy, 0.00inches of precipitation, wind SW 6-15 mph.
06/18/08 Low of 53° F, high of 84° F. Clear, 0.00inches of precipitation, Variable 4-9 mph.
06/17/08
PADEP Mariruth Hoffman mobilized to site to assist the EPA with oversight. PADEP Hoffman demobilized.
Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) contractor Guardian Environmental, Inc held its morning safety meeting and discussed the days planned activities. ERRS repackaged 40 drums of material from Building #9.
START assisted as needed and conducted written/photographic documentation. START demobilized.
06/18/08
PADEP Mariruth Hoffman mobilized to site to assist the EPA with oversight. PADEP Hoffman demobilized.
Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) contractor Guardian Environmental, Inc held its morning safety meeting and discussed the days planned activities. ERRS continued to repackage material found in Building #9 into DOT shippable 55-gallon drums. PADEP Hoffman and START were asked to identify the contents of 2 super-sacks and 4 pallets of material in super sacks. PADEP Mariruth Hoffman (Chemist) notes are as follows; There were 5 samples analyzed by Infrared Spectrometry and compared to standard spectra using the Aldrich Standard library.
Sample #1 was a very fine gray powder that you had collected and had given to me for analysis. An absolute positive identification could not be made but the resulting spectra of the material indicate that it may be a metal oxide, possibly titanium (IV) oxide.
Sample #2 gray/white chunky material that was collected from a drum being repackaged by Guardian appears to be a hydroxide, (either potassium or sodium) based on the resulting IR spectra and other observations. When the substance was dissolved in water, the pH of the resulting solution was pH 12 based on pH strip. The material also was observed to absorb water from the atmosphere giving the substance a wet appearance and feel.
Sample #3 a fine black powder was collected from a bucket from building #9 that was the same material found in canvas bags with Chinese writing on the labels. No positive identification could be made on this material. Based on the resulting IR spectra, the material could possibly be a metal oxide.
Sample #4 a white flake-like material that was collected from a plastic wrapped super-sack from building #9 appears to also be a hydroxide (either potassium or sodium) based on the resulting IR spectra and other observations. This substance was also dissolved in water and the pH of the resulting solution was pH 10. This material also appeared to absorb water from the atmosphere.
Sample #5 a gray chunky material that was collected from a super-sack in building #9 appears to be a carbonate material possibly calcium carbonate. The resulting IR spectra and other observations are consistent with metal carbonate materials.
START assisted the EPA as needed and conducted written/photographic documentation.
EPA will continue to coordinate with magnesium waste generators for the safe and appropriate removal of the material from the site. EPA will continue to coordinate with all local, state, and federal agencies.
None
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Disposal Summary as of 06/12/08
Magnesium Turnings, Flammable Solid, Haz Mat:4,408,151 pounds
Magnesium Scrap, Non-Haz Mat:766,273 pounds
Total:5,174,424 pounds
Low Level RAD drums:280,000 pounds
Bulk Load Waste Piles:5,927,900 pounds
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