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

  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 2,000 gallons; caustic cyanides 750; flammables 500 gallons; cyanide wastes (from electroplating vats) 1,000 gallons; ammonias 300 gallons; acids 1,750 gallons; chromic acids 1,250 gallons; and peroxides 1,000 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 in the frac tank, plus another 5 totes (approximately 1,250 gallons).

On Aug. 4, 2016, 4,883 gallons of sump water were shipped offsite for proper disposal.  This is water that infiltrated the building through leaking roofs and surface flow from the rear yard of the facility.  Because it came in contact with the floors in the electroplating areas, it was shipped as F008 waste.

Bulking of neutral solids from the building has begun.  This is being done in two open top tanks (approximately 10 feet in diameter, four feet high) in the rear yard of the building.  In addition, many of the miscellaneous wastes remaining in the building are being overpacked in salvage drums for offsite disposal.

Air monitoring is continually conducted throughout the building.  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  No readings related to the work being done have been observed outside the building, and 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
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 neutral liquids, oxidizers, sludges from electroplating vats, and other miscellaneous wastes. After that the vats and elevated walkways in the former electroplating lines will be cleaned out and removed.  Once the floors are cleared they will be pressure washed, and the resulting liquids will be containerized and shipped offsite for proper disposal.

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