Ecology and Environment, Inc (E&E)- Site Assessment Report

Ecology and Environment, Inc (E&E), has been task to perform a site assessment and evaluate threats pertaining to human health and environment, of abandoned trailers, alleged to contain Polychlorinatedbiphenyl (PCBs).

000000254303

1993-12-22 00:00:00.0

WI0000002436

Kenosha Trailer Site

PDF

Ecology and Environment, Inc (E&E)

Administrative Record

Site Assessment

text

Human health

Environment

Polychlorinatedbiphenyl (PCBs)

Abandoned Trailer

Kenosha Trailer Site

Environmental reporting

Midwest

Ecology and Environment, Inc (E&E)

City of Kenosha

Ecology and Environment, Inc (E&E)

City of Kenosha

Copyright undetermined

eng

Kenosha, Wisconsin

PDF

TABLE 07 CONTENTS

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SECTION

PAGE

1 Introduction

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2 Site background

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3 site activities

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4 Analytical results

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5 Discussion of potential threats

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6 Recommendations

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LIST OP FIGURES
FIGURE

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Site location map

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Site features map

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX
A

PAGE

Photo documentation

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INTRODUCTIONt

The Ecology and Environment, Inc., (E & E) Technical Assistance
Team (TAT) was tasked by the Emergency and Enforcement Response
branch (EERB) of the United States Environmental Protection (U.S.
EPA) on August 11, 1993 to perform a site assessment (SA) and
evaluate threats to human health and the environment due to the
presence of an abandoned trailer containing alleged Polychlorinated
biphenyl (PCBs) contaminated drums.
This abandoned trailer
is located in an open area opposite Arneson
Foundry at 3300 66th street, in Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
(Figure 1 - site location map). This trailer had been previously
investigated by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).
2.0

BACKGROUND!

Mr. Paul Hess of Kenosha County Emergency Department informed WDNR
in late 1990 about this abandoned trailer. On May 26, 1992, Mr.
Michael Ellenbecker of (WDNR) investigated the Kenosha Trailer.
During this time, Mr. Richard Arneson of Arneson Foundries (located
opposite this trailer) stated that he had the trailer opened up
because he had heard a rumor that the trailer may contain PCB
drums. He stated that the trailer had been on that location for
three years. On June 29, 1992, WDNR's contractor, Mineral Springs,
inventoried the drums in the Kenosha Trailer and collected some
drum samples. Twenty seven (27) 55-gallon metal drums and one 5gallon gas can were observed inside the trailer. All but seven (7)
of these drums were sampled during this time. Some drums had
labels indicating that their contents had as much as 60% PCBs. The
drums were identified as containing PCB waste by either a self
adhesive PCB label, a self adhesive manufacturer label, or by a
written label. An Inerteen 70 - 30 label removed from one of the
drums read " CAUTION ! contains chlorinated hydrocarbons". The
label states that it was made for Westinghouse Electric
Corporation. The drum label also read that it was shipped to
Supervisor Department, 831, Monsanto Company, Sauget, Illinois
62201. During this inventory it was found that twenty four (24)
drums contained liquid, while three (3) drums contained floordry,
capacitors, and other metal debris. One of these three (3) drums
also contained numerous pipets (Reference - WDNR site file
information).
Mr. Ellenbecker traced back the Monsanto Company address and talked
with Mr. Garry Mappes. Mr. Mappes stated that Inerteen 70-30 was
a 70% PCB fluid that was used by Westinghouse for transformers. A
letter dated August 14, 1992, addressed to Mr. Ellenbecker by
Josephine Niblock of Monsanto Company, stated that three (3)
shipments were made of Inerteen 70 - 30 by Monsanto to Nardi
Electric Company in Kenosha, Wisconsin. These shipments were made
at the request of Westinghouse Electric Corporation.
Mr. Travis Halcomb in an affidavit (WDNR file information) stated
that in February 1989, he purchased property at 6621-6623 35th

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ecology and environment, Inc.
Technical Assistance Team
Region V

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SITE LOCATION MAP
SITE

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STATE

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USGS TOPO MAP, 2.5 MINUTE SERIES

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Avenue, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which was formerly owned by
Nardi electric Co. He initially purchased the aforementioned
property with Wesley Fechner, who subsequently died, and Mr.
Halcomb purchased his interest in the property. The property had
been under mortgage to First Bank Southeast of Kenosha and they
foreclosed when Nardi went out of business. Mr. Halcomb purchased
the property from the Bank after the Bank had acquired it in a
foreclosure sale. Mr. Halcomb complained to Larry Christopherson,
the president of Nardi Electric, that he had left some 20 to 30
barrels and a lot of other equipment and materials on the property
and that Mr. Halcomb wanted them to remove them since he now owned
the property. On or about March 15, 1989, Mr. Halcomb helped Mr.
Christopherson remove the equipment, materials and supplies that
had been stored on the property at 6621-6623 35th Avenue, Kenosha,
Wisconsin. This equipment and barrels were put into a white semitrailer and shortly thereafter were moved to the place where the
white semi-trailer is presently parked on the Arneson Property.
3.0

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SITE ACTIVITIES;

Technical Assistance Team members R. Nagam and M. Kulikowski
mobilized equipment and arrived at a meeting place in Kenosha,
Wisconsin on August 12, 1993. Here they met with the U.S. EPA OnScene Coordinator (OSC) Stavros Emmanouil, WDNR's Michael
Ellenbecker, Paul Lazzari of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), and James Swanson of the Criminal Investigation Department
(CID) of the U.S. EPA. Mr. Ellenbecker provided the site
background information file and briefed WDNR's previous activities
at this site. WDNR sampled all but the team of seven drums found
inside the trailer. After reviewing the analytical results in this
file, the OSC suggested that TAT check the structural integrity of
the drums and obtain all drum label information. Since enough
analytical information is available on the drums, the OSC also
suggested that TAT not collect any samples.
TAT, OSC, and the representatives of WDNR, FBI, and CID then went
to the location of the trailer. The trailer was white colored,
with two doors on either side, and one door at the rear (Figure 2 site features). This trailer was located in an open lot situated
opposite (south) the Arneson Foundries at 3303 66th Street, in
Kenosha, Wisconsin. This open lot is bounded by several
residences
on the north, by rda warehouse on the east, by 66th Street on the
south and by 33 Street on the west.
The residences were
approximately 75 feet north of the trailer. Across 66th Street was
Arneson Foundries.
Inside the trailer, TAT was able to count 27 metal drums, of which
12 drums were black in color, the rest being yellow in color. Some
of the black metal drums had "Caution, contains PCBs" labels. Some
of the yellow drums had "Inerteen 70 - 30, caution, contains
chlorinated
hydrocarbons, made for Westinghouse Electric
Corporation" labels. This last label also indicated that the

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product contained PCBs. All the drums that TAT could access were
checked with Hnu photo-ionization detector for organic vapors and
found no readings above background levels. All drums were found to
be in stable condition. At the rear end of the trailer, metal
debris, such as steel piping and small machinery, was observed.
After photodocumenting the trailer and the surroundings, TAT
demobilized from the site (Appendix A - Photos).
4.0

ANALYTICAL RESULTS:

The following is a discussion of the analytical results of the WDNR
collected samples of June 1992. PCB concentrations ranged from 160
parts per million (ppm) to 550,000 ppm in the drum samples. Xylene
at 23,000 ppm was detected in sample ND4 and at 22,000 ppm was
detected in sample ND11. At least five (5) drum samples had flash
points of less than 100° F.
Drum sample ND4 had a toluene
concentration of 250 ppm.
5.0

DISCUSSION OP POTENTIAL THREATS:

Conditions at Kenosha Trailer site that warrant an appropriate
removal action as set forth in paragraph (b) (2) of section 300.415
of the National Contingency Plan (NCP) are:
(i) Actual or potential exposure to nearby human
populations, animals, or the food chain from hazardous
substances or pollutants or contaminants:
Poly chlorinated biphenyl concentrations in one of the
drum samples was as high as 55% (550,000 ppm). At least
four other drums had PCB concentrations ranging from 44%
to 52%. The trailer is situated in an open lot which
could be easily accessed by trespassers. The trailer is
in poor condition, and found to contain several holes in
its floor. TAT documented the nearest residence to be
located about 75 feet from the site. The trailer is
situated in a mixed residential and commercial area. A
ware house was also situated about 100 feet from the
trailer, and workers were seen in this open lot. TAT
observed one of these workers parking a semi-trailer in
this open lot. Studies of PCB exposed workers provided
inconsistent yet suggestive evidence for exposure-related
cancer (ATSDR - February 18, 1992).

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(ii)Hazardous substances or pollutants or contaminants in
drums, barrels, tanks, or other bulk storage containers,
that may pose a threat of release:
During the TAT site assessment, twenty seven (27) 55gallon drums were observed inside the trailer. Several
of these drums had labels indicating that the contents
contained PCBs. WDNR analytical results of these drums

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confirmed the presence of PCBs. The trailer is in an
open lot where its access is unrestricted. The trailer
is in poor condition, and as such any acts of vandalism
may cause drums containing high concentration of PCBs to
be released to the environment.

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(iii) Weather conditions that may cause hazardous
substances or pollutants or contaminants to migrate or be
released:
The trailer, which is in a poor condition, contains
flammable liquids and hazardous substances such as PCBS.
The floor of the trailer was observed by TAT to contain
several gaps. Severe rains over a stretch of time could
pose a threat to the floors integrity.
(iv) Threat of fire or explosion:
At least five (5) drum samples had flash points less than
100° F. Sample ND6 had a flash point of <50° F; sample
ND7 had a flash point of 59° F; sample ND4 had a flash
point of 93° F; sample ND1 had a flash point of 97° F;
and sample ND9 had a flash point of 98° F. All of these
liquids are flammable by definition, under 40 CFR (Code
of Federal Regulations) section 173.115, which classifies
a flammable liquid as one having a flash point below
100° F. High temperatures pose a high threat of fire or
explosion at this site. Some of the residences which are
as close as 75 feet from the trailer, will be in great
danger during a fire due to combusting PCB liquids.
Since some of the drums have a low flash point, there is
a high potential of explosion during a fire.

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6.0

RECOMMENDATIONS;

Since the trailer is abandoned and situated in an open lot, it is
prone to trespassing. As an immediate action, this trailer needs
to be secured and access limited. The trailer is known to contain
hazardous substances such as PCBs, xylene and toluene. It also
contains flammable liquids. Because of the nature of the material
stored in the trailer, it is recommended that a high priority be
given for a removal action at the Kenosha Trailer to mitigate
threats due to drums containing PCBs and flammable liquids.

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REFERENCE
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 1992.
site file information.

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Kenosha Trailer

APPENDIX A
PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

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FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY LOG SHEET
SITE NAME: Kenosha Trailer
U.S.EPA ID:

PAGE 1
TDD: T05-9308-014

OF

5

PAN; EWI0419SAA

DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1130
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
EAST
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
OVERCAST
Upper 80'5°F
PHOTGORAPHED BY:
M. Kulikovski
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable):

DESCRIPTION: View of the trailer, fn the background is a warehouse

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located about 125 feet east of the trialer.

DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1132
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
North
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Upper 80s
PHOTOGRAPHED BY:
M. Kulikowski
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable) :

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DESCRIPTION: Southern view of the trailer in the background. Photo

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displays residential areas which are about 75 feet north of the
trailer.

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FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY L-G SHEET
SITE NAME; Kenosha Trailer
U.S.EPA ID:

PAGE 2
TDD; T05-9308-014

OF 5

PAN:EWI0419SAA

DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1140
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
North
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Upper 80s
PHOTGORAPHED BY
M. Kulikowski

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SAMPLE ID
(if applicable)

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DESCRIPTION: Inerteen 70-30 of PCB labeled drums

DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1141
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
North
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Upper 80s
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
M. Kulikovski
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable)

DESCRIPTION: Closer view of the inerteen 70-30 of PCB labeled drums

FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY LOG SHEET
SITE NAME: Kenosha Trailer

PAGE 3

OF

5

TDD: T05-9308-014

PAN: EWI0419SAA

DESCRIPTION: Eastern entrance of the trialer.

Machinery and Steel

U.S.EPA ID:
DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1142
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
West
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
OVERCAST
Upper 8Q's°F
PHOTGORAPHED B
M. Kulikowski
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable

pipes can be seen at the entrance.

To the northwest is the Areson

Foundry
DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1143
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
West
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Lower 90s
PHOTOGRAPHED BY:
M. Kulikowski
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable):

DESCRIPTION: Closer view of the steel pipes & other metal material
located at the eastern section of the trailer.
*

FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY LOG SHEET
SITE NAME: Kenosha Trailer
U.S.EPA ID:

PAGE 4
TDD: T05-9308-014

OF 5

PAN-.EWI0419SAA

DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1145
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
North
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Low 90s
PHOTGORAPHED BY:
Raahu Naqam
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable):

DESCRIPTION: View drums with PCS marking on the drums.

DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1146
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
North
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Low 90s
PHOTOGRAPHED
Raghu Naqam
SAMPLE ID
'
(if applicable)-

DESCRIPTION: View of Inerteen 70-30 drums with a label indicating
that the drum contained PCBs.

_FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY LOG SHEET
SITE NAME: Kenosha Trailer
U.S.EPA ID;
DATE:

PAGE 5
TDD; T05-9308-014

OF 5

PAN; EWI0419SAA

8/12/93

TIME: 1151
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
West
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Low 90s
PHOTGORAPHED BY
Raghu Nagam
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable)

DESCRIPTION: Photo displaying black metal drums with PCS Label

DATE: 8/12/93
TIME: 1151
DIRECTION OF
PHOTOGRAPH:
West
WEATHER
CONDITIONS:
Overcast
Low 90s
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Raqhu Naqam
SAMPLE ID
(if applicable)

DESCRIPTION: Closer view of PCB interteen 70-30 drums