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

The former electroplating lines in the building have been demolished.  The vats that contained cyanide solutions were cut up and disposed of as hazardous debris.  Vats not containing cyanide are cleaned and will be left onsite if in good condition.  The boardwalks between the electroplating vats, and the cinder blocks supporting them, have been cut up and disposed of as hazardous debris.  There is also a layer of sludge underneath the former electroplating lines that is being scraped up and disposed of as hazardous debris.   

 On 9/7/16, a rolloff of nonhazardous debris (empty containers, used PPE, etc.) was shipped offsite for disposal.  Also on 9/7/16 a rolloff of hazardous debris (vat liners, contaminated wood and cinder blocks, and other contaminated debris) was shipped offsite for proper disposal.  To date, 296 cubic yards of hazardous and nonhazardous debris have been shipped offsite for proper disposal.

 Waste materials in the building have been bulked in 250 gallon totes in preparation for offsite shipment and proper disposal: caustics 2,000 gallons; caustic cyanides 750 gallons; 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. Bulking of neutral solids from the building has been completed.  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 that remained in the building are were overpacked in salvage drums for offsite disposal. 

 Over 31,000 gallons of contaminated sump water (rain leaking in through the roof or doors, crossing the floors of the building, and ending up in the building sumps) have been collected and shipped offsite for proper 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.   The floors will be pressure washed, and the resulting liquids will be containerized and shipped offsite for proper disposal.  Piping in the building will be checked to ensure that no hazardous substances remain in them.

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.