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. To date, 1123 samples have been haz catted. Based on these results, materials are being marked and staged with compatible wastes for bulking prior to disposal.  All of the containers outside in the yard were sampled  and analyzed, and after approval by the City this liquid (primarily rain water) was discharged to the sanitary sewer.  Due to the poor condition of the building (leaking roof, etc.) water builds up in the sumps and on the floors after heavy rains.  This sump water continues to be pumped from the building into two holding tanks onsite awaiting offsite disposal.

 All containers of flammables above 1 gallon were bulked into two totes.  Caustic materials are also being bulked into totes.   Two rolloffs of non hazardous debris (the most recent shipment consisted mostly of RCRA empty drums and containers) have been shipped offsite for disposal.  One rolloff of hazardous debris (contaminated cinder blocks and other contaminated materials) has been shipped offsite for proper disposal.  All disposal facilities are checked for compliance status to ensure that they meet all environmental regulations before wastes are shipped.

Subcontracts for disposal of the lab materials, the sump water, and the overpacked cyanide salts have been awarded. These materials will be shipped offsite as soon as approvals are in place and transportation can be arranged. 

 Air monitoring/dust sample results have been received and are being evaulauated.  Air monitoring throughout the building is conducted on an ongoing basis.  Five air monitoring units are set up while work is ongoing: three inside the building and two outside.  Volatile organic compounds, oxygen, lower explosive limit, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and chlorine are monitored on a continuous basis, and any alarms are sent out to the OSC and contractors monitoring the system. 

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.  Overpacking and/or bulking compatible waste streams in preparation for offsite disposal will continue.

Arrangements are being made for former employees and the tenant and owner to retrieve equipment and tools from the building.

2.2.2 Issues

The building is in poor condition. There is no electricity in the building.  Electricity is being provided through the use of generators with extension cords and lighting strings throughout the building.  Heavy rains 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