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

On July 25, 2016, 11 drums of cyanide salts (estimated total weight 3,300 lbs.)  were shipped offsite for proper disposal (incineration).  Also, all of the lab packed materials from two labs in the building, and all of the smaller containers from throughout the building, were shipped offsite for proper disposal. (Total estimated weight 4,265 lbs.)

 Waste materials in the building continue to be 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; Acids 1,750 gallons.  Because of the volume of neutral liquids, they are being bulked into a frac tank.  As of 7/25/16, approximately 8,500 gallons have been collected. 

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.  In addition, air samples were collected and analyzed, and compared to relevant worker exposure standards.  No excessive levels of contamination were identified in the building.  However, all work in the building continues to be conducted with the use of respiratory protection (respirators or supplied air, depending on the nature of the work).

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.  Shipment of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes will continue throughout the project. Overpacking and/or bulking compatible waste streams in preparation for offsite disposal will continue.  The remaining wastes include ammonia caustics, neutral liquids, acids, peroxides, oxidizers, sludges from electroplating vats, and other miscellaneous wastes.  Bulking of solids from throughout the building will begin the week of 7/25/16.

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