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 all of the containers outside in the yard were sampled  and analyzed, and after approval by the City most of this liquid (primarily rain water) was discharged to the sanitary sewer. Several of the containers have liquids which did not meet discharge limits, and will be bulked with other appropriate wastes for offsite disposal.

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. Two shipments of sump water, totaling 9,650 gallons, were shipped offsite for proper disposal on 7/6/16.   All disposal facilities are checked for compliance status to ensure that they meet all environmental regulations before wastes are shipped.

There were a number of tanks and drums of water that the tenant had collected (because the water to the building had been shut off).  After proper testing and approval from the City, approximately 7,955 gallons of this water was discharged to the City sanitary sewer.

On 7/5/16 and 7/6/16 former workers and the property owner came onsite to retrieve tools and other items from the building.  No chemicals were removed.

 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. Bulking operations continue, with the following wastes having been bulked in 250 gallon containers in preparation for offsite shipment and proper disposal: caustics 2,750 gallons; Flammables 500 gallons; Cyanide wastes (from electroplating vats) 1,000 gallons; neutral liquids 1, 285 gallons (in a frac tank).  Samples of these materials have been collected for analysis for purposes of requesting bids for offsite disposal of these wastes.

Subcontracts for disposal of the lab materials and the overpacked cyanide salts have been awarded.  On 7/6/16 the lab pack subcontractor arrived onsite and began segregating lab chemicals to prepare for the proper packaging of these materials These materials will be shipped offsite as soon as approvals are in place and transportation can be arranged. 

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 began this week and will continue throughout the project.  Overpacking and/or bulking compatible waste streams in preparation for offsite disposal will continue.

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. 

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 - 9