1.1.1 Incident Category
Removal action under an Action Memorandum.
1.1.2 Site Description
Former electroplating facility essentially abandoned in place
1.1.2.1 Location
4000 - 4008 E. Monument Street

Baltimore, MD 21205
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
Potential release of plating acids and other materials into the environment
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

 After site visits on May 3, 2016 and May 18, 2016, the OSC issued a special bulletin on May 19, 2016 and initiated a cleanup at the site.  This was amended on May 27, 2016 to increase the project ceiling.  On June 2, 2016, an Action Memorandum was signed authorizing a removal action at this site.  See the documents section of this website for the Special Bulletins and Action Memorandum.

2.1.1 Narrative
Cleanup continues.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

During this reporting period sampling of all of the identified drums and containers (with the exception of those in the labs for which disposal will be subcontracted out) has been completed (1109 drums/containers).   To date, 879 samples have been haz catted.  Haz catting continues at an average of about 100 samples per day.  All of the containers outside in the yard have been sampled, and composite analytical results indicate that the liquids in these containers are mostly rain water that meets the discharge limits for the City sanitary sewer.  Approval will be sought to discharge this material to the sewer. 

 On Tuesday, 6/21/16, two vats in area H that contain liquids with cyanide were pumped into totes for secure storage while awaiting approval for disposal.  Additional smaller containers with cyanide were also  bulked for disposal.  The only cyanide compounds remaining in the building are a small number of containers of solids that had not been labeled as containing cyanide but were identified as containing it through haz catting.  These items will also be overpacked and secured for proper disposal.

 Also on Tuesday a heavy thunderstorm came through, resulting in a large amount of water in the building.  A second tank for sump water collection has been ordered for delivery to the site.  Arrangements for disposal of the sump water in the first tank continue to be made.  In addition, approvals for disposal of the overpacked cyanide salts continue. 

 Air monitoring is being conducted during all operations.  Hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, volatiles, combustible gases, oxygen, and carbon monoxide levels are being monitored continuously.   No impacts outside of the building have been observed.  Dust/dirt samples have been collected from the floors in the building to determine potential worker exposure to metals/cyanides.  Airborne dust samples are also being collected during work activities to determine airborne levels of particulates, metals, and cyanides. 

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
Research on PRPs is ongoing.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Categorization, staging, and disposal of hazardous substances will continue. To date over 2,300 containers (ranging in size from small lab bottles up to several hundred gallon electroplating vats) have been inventoried.  Shipment of hazardous wastes is expected to begin in the next week or so.  As more information is gathered on the waste streams present, plans will be made for overpacking and/or bulking compatible waste streams in preparation for offsite disposal.

2.2.2 Issues

The building is in poor condition.  Heavy rains do slow work in the building due to leaks in the roof and water flowing in from the yard.  There is also limited space to stage materials so bulking operations are complicated.

3.1 Unified Command
The EPA took the lead for the site on Thursday, June 2, 2016.  Baltimore City Fire, Police, and Housing Departments and Office of Emergency Management, Maryland Department of the Environment, and EPA are continuing to coordinate on the response.

OSC - 1

START - 2

ERRS - 10