2.1.1 Narrative
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Current information is in bold font.
On August 3 - 5 2015 EPA and it's technical contractor, Weston Solutions, acquired 23 samples of suspected ACM from various locations inside the main building and from 2 locations outside the main building. The samples were send to a laboratory for analysis. In addition to the sampling the contractor measured the length and diameter of insulated pipes in the basement and first floor in the main building.
On 9/16 EPA and tacos with the EPA removal support contractor, Weston Solutions, flew a drone over the main building at the Site and recorded the physical condition of the roof. The overflight lasted for lasted for about 10 minutes and the drone recorded about 3 minutes of footage of the roof. The overflight confirmed that the roof has collapsed in three places and there are at least a dozen smaller holes in the roof. One section, approximately 10 feet X 20 feet is shown in a dotted outline in what appears to be the beginning of an imminent collapse. RST will overlay the location of the holes and collapsed areas on a scale drawing of the building so that the rooms underneath can be blocked off for H & S concerns.
On 9/17 the OSC met with attorneys for Saratoga County and the Providence Town Supervisor at the Site. The current situation with the site was discussed and the guests were given a brief demonstration of drone ops.
On 9/17 Weston Solutions techs acquired 10 additional samples of suspected ACM. Samples were processed and will be transported to the lab on 9/18 for analysis.
Results of the second 'round of ACM sampling that occurred on 9/16/2015 have been received. This 'round of sampling was done solely on the first floor of the main building. Sample results indicated the presence of Chrysotile asbestos in concentrations ranging from 5.4% to 66.8%.
On 10/6/2015 counsel for Saratoga County informed the OSC that youths were accessing the contaminated main building in increasing numbers. In response to this information the OSC activated the ERRS contractor to initiate site security as follows: subcontract for repairs and upgrade to existing damages perimeter fencing, install plywood panels over doorways and basement windows, and post asbestos warning signs on fence and main building. ERRS contractor expected to be on Site by 10/13/2015.
ERRS contractor mobilized to the Site on 10/13/15 and purchased supplies needed to board up doors and ground floor windows. Work commenced on 10/14/2015 and continued until 10/21/2015. ERRS secured all openings to the main building, boarded up the abandoned caretakers house which had been vandalized, and also secured the WWTP which had previously contained 31 drums of hazardous substances. The WWTP contains 4 open top, water-filled process tanks which pose a drowning hazard to the public who may access this building. ERRS also cleared underbrush and small trees from around the main building, creating a swath of open space which will make trespassers more visible if they attempt to enter the building. ERRS posted asbestos warning signs at all entrances to the main building and on the perimeter fence.
ERRS is keeping one Tech at the site during daylight hours for security purposes from 10/23 to 10/26, and from 10/30 to 11/2, Halloween weekend. Tech was directed to call 911 if anyone attempts to force entry into the main building.
A trash roll-off will be ordered for the week of 10/26 and debris around the site and caretakers house will be collected for disposal.
Two full 150 pound LPG gas cylinders that were discovered in the weeds two weeks ago were picked up by a local gas supplier at no cost to the Government.
One fence contractor submitted a bid for $32,000 for fence repairs and upgrades. Bid response being reviewed by OSC. As a possible alternative to the fence contractor, ERRS is providing the OSC with a cost-estimate for in-house fence repairs and upgrades. If this is a more cost-effective way to address the needed fence repairs the ERRS contractor will proceed with its own resources to make the necessary repairs.
Site was secured and demobed at 1100 hours on 10/21/2015.
Action Memo was signed on 12/31/2015. Paperwork associated with putting funding into site account has been processed. Contractor will mobilize crew and equipment to the site on 1/25/2016.
On 1/26/2016 ERRS contractor personnel arrived on the Site. The Town of Providence and Saratoga County assisted site mobilization by supplying sand and rock salt to clear the command post staging area. A skid steer was delivered and used to clear ice and roadway along the rear of the main building. ERRS picked up supplies to complete repairs to perimeter fence. Additional fence supplies will be delivered on 1/27. Arrangements underway to have office and crew trailers to the site by 1/29, porta johns, and temporary generator. Bids for electrician to install temporary pole and meter box issued. Site set up activities will continue through 2/5 when comms are expected to be operational.
ERRS has begun to transfer existing bags of ACM from the basement, through a decon area, into lined roll-offs where they will be staged for off site disposal. The bags are frozen in ice in the basement and are currently difficult to remove without damaging the already fragile bags. ERRS is, in the meantime, beginning to remove ACM pipe insulation until the bags are more easily handled without breaking.
On 3/17/2016 the first two roll-offs containing bagged ACM waste were shipped off the Site. This amounted to almost 50 cubic yards of ACM waste. The waste was transported to an approved asbestos landfill in Seneca County, NY for permanent disposal. In attendance to mark the occasion was a reporter with the Daily Gazette who interviewed the OSC and took photographs for the newspaper. Public officials from Providence Township were also present to view the first shipment of asbestos waste.
A chronic problem that we are experiencing at the Site is trespassers and kids trying to break into the main building. Since EPA mobilized to the Site in December the incidents have diminished, mostly to our presence there, but also because we repaired/replaced the fence, cut back underbrush that afforded cover, posted warning signs and sealed ground floor doors and windows, and posted observers at the site at random times on weekends. Similar preventive measures were also implemented at the vacant care-takers house on the site which had been severely vandalized. ERRS will be installing video cameras and hi-intensity lights on the main building, and the County Sheriff's Dept. has been alerted to the situation. The OSC advised the Sheriff that he would sign a trespassing complaint against anyone apprehended on the property. This is the only way to ensure that the public does not access the building and become exposed to asbestos contamination.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
There are a number of known PRPs, including the current owner and one of the former partners of
Conifer Construction. Co.and he has given EPA written
access to the entire site. Enforcement staff continue to identify additional PRPs.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
propane |
gas |
300 lbs
|
n/a |
recycled |
|
asbestos |
solid |
25 cu. yds. |
43802 |
n/a |
landfill |
asbestos |
solid |
30 cu. yds. |
43803 |
n/a |
landfill |
|