Oil end Special MattrMt
Control DivMon
WH-548
EPA43QIMCMI13
August 1990
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EPA-430/9-80-013
August 1980
REMOVAL OF DRUMS OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN
STUMP GAP CREEK AREA
WEST POINT, KENTUCKY
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OIL AND SPECIAL MATERIALS
CONTROL DIVISION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
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PREFACE
This report reflects the activities of the Environmental
Emergency Branch (EEB) Region IV, EPA, as it was concerned with
the captioned event. The report outlines the key actions of the
Federal Ch-Scene Coordinator, the Regional Response Team (RRT),
the state, local, and Federal members of the RRT. It reflects
the complexity of responding to environmental emergencies and the
need to coordinate and plan in advance for a major incident such
as this event.
This report is intended to satisfy the requirements of tiie
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
and to help otiiers learn from our experiences.
Al a. Smith, Chief
Environmental Emergency Branch
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1 SUMMARY 1-1
2 THE SITUATION 2-1
3 PHOTOGRAPHS 3-1
4 DISPOSITION OF DRUMS 4-1
5 STUMP GAP CREEK HAZARDOUS MATERIAL LOG _5-1
6 ANALYSIS OF DRUM SAMPLES 6-1
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1. SUMMARY
The waters of the Ohio River flooded the bottomlands near West
Point, Kentucky. Prior to this flooding, about 800 drums containing
hazardous substances had been stored in a field adjacent to Stump Gap
Creek. The rising waters floated the drums from their original loca-
tion and deposited them throughout the Stump Gap Creek drainage area.
When the waters receded, some of the drums remained afloat, while
others were deposited in the streambed and lodged in trees twenty feet
in the air.
The drums, already in poor condition, were further damaged; some
ruptured, discharging the hazardous substances into the creek. The
waters of Stump Gap Creek flow into Pond Creek, the Salt River, and
the Ohio River, a distance of five strean miles from the original
sources of contamination. The water wells for the City of West Point
and Fort Knox are located in this drainage basin. A potential envi-
ronmental emergency was created by the drums of hazardous substances
in this area.
EPA responded to the governor's request for funds and assistance
from the President of the United States by issuing a contract to a
private firm for an amount not to exceed $100,000. The fund was to be
used to relieve the environmental emergency.
About 830 drums of hazardous substances were recovered from the
fields and creek area, transported to high ground, and transferred to
reconditioned drums. Sludge and frozen material hampered the transfer
of wastes from drum-to-drum; therefore, only 73 drums were completely
emptied. The others had to be disposed of in bulk form.
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This operation exhausted the fund and the drums had to remain at
this location. Dikes were constructed around the reconditioned drums.
The drums containing sludge and the contaminated soil were diked, cov-
ered with plastic, and topped with about one foot of soil.
U.S. Army personnel from Fort Knox surveyed the bottomlands with
mine detectors. This survey revealed several sites where drums had
been buried in underground pits. The average dimensions of these pits
are 40' x 30' x 10'. The drums were not removed from these pits.
However, they pose a potential threat of ground- and surface water
contamination in this area.
During the recovery operation, other disposal sites were dis-
covered. The Taylor Site, now referred to as the "Valley of the
Drums," is located near Shepardsville, Kentucky. This 23-acre site
contains at least 100,000 drums on the surface and an unknown quantity
underground. Normal operation at this site was to empty the drums of
industrial wastes into pits or trenches and cover them with soil. The
drainage from this area enters a tributary to Wilson Creek.
Drums are also stored at an abandoned brickyard near West Point,
Kentucky. Between 3,000 and 6,000 drums of waste materials are stored
at this site. Some of the drums had been shot with high-powered
rifles. The drainage from this site enters a tributary to the Ohio
River.
In conclusion, the environmental emergency created by the drums
of hazardous substances in the Stump Gap Creek area was relieved.
However, it was not possible to dispose of the waste materials due to
a lack of funds. The drum recovery operation was conducted in accord-
ance with the Regional Contingency Plan.
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2. THE SITUATION
In December 1978, the Ohio River flooded an area near West Point,
Kentucky. The rising waters moved drums containing industrial waste
and deposited them along the Stump Gap Creek drainage area when the
waters receded. The drums had been stored on property owned by Mr.
and Mrs. William Distler near the creek.
The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection (KDNREP) requested EPA to investigate the situation and to
estimate the cost for removing the drums from the affected area.
Arrangements were made to meet their representatives, Bob Sholar and
Debbie Hockensmith on January 4, 1979. They showed the area and pro-
vided additional information.
At the site, there were drums lodged in the trees, hanging by
ropes from trees, floating on the waters of Stump Gap Creek, and in
the fields adjacent to the creek. There were about 600 drums contain-
ing industrial waste spread over a square mile area. Mr. Sholar ex-
plained that state personnel had tied some of the drums to trees with
ropes during the peak of the floodwaters, in an effort to keep them
from floating downstream. However, they were unsuccessful. Most of
the drums were damaged and some of them had ruptured, spilling the
contents into Stump Gap Creek.
We estimated that it would take thirteen men in full protective
clothing and equipment about twelve days to remove the drums and
transfer liquid to suitable containers. The removal cost would be
about $100,000 plus the disposal fee. This information was forwarded
to EPA Headquarters and the state agency.
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Although the drums were stored on property owned by William
Distler, he denied ownership. Earlier, it was alleged that Donald
Distler stored the drums on his parents' property. He also denied
ownership of these drums. Thus, it was assumed that the drums of
industrial waste had been stored near the creek and then abandoned.
Mr. Sholar said that EPA had sampled some of the drums in 1977 as
part of a legal case against Donald Distler of Kentucky Liquid Re-
cycling, Inc., for the discharge of hazardous substances into the
sewerage system of the Morris Foreman Wastewater Treatment Plant in
Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Sholar had a copy of the analyses in a case
file.
Donald Distler also leased an abandoned brickyard on highway 31W
about one mile from West Point, Kentucky. Between 3,000 and 6,000
drums of industrial waste had been stored at this location.
Mr. Sholar also mentioned a location near Shepardsville, Ken-
tucky, known as the Taylor Site, where thousands of drums are stored.
He said it was ten times worse than the brickyard.
Arrangements were made to visit the Taylor Site and the brickyard
with Mr. Sholar and Steve Dorrler of EPA's Emergency Response Team
(ERT) on January 5, 1979.
Response and Observations; Chronological Events
January 5, 1979
During the evening, two inches of snow fell and the bitter, cold
air swept across Kentucky. Messrs. Sholar, Dorrler, and R.D. Stone-
braker, EPA Region IV, visited the brickyard and made the following
observations:
Drums of industrial waste were stored all over the property, on
the roof of a building, and in the brick kilns.
Drums were stored near a main line track for L&N Railroad. In
fact, several of the drums were on the ballast of the track.
Across the track and about 50 yards from a stream, approximately
200 drums were stored. Some of these drums had been shot with
high powered rifles.
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The drainage from this area flowed on both sides of the tracks
and entered an unnamed tributary to the Ohio River.
A well is located on the west side of the property. It had been
capped recently with cement. The vegetation around this well was
completely dead. Mr. Sholar had heard that Mr. Distler pumped
some industrial waste into this well. Other people claimed it
was an artesian well that contained hydrogen sulfide. The well
had been capped because of the foul odor.
In the opinion of the observers, the drums at the brickyard posed
a substantial threat to the stream and the environment.
The Taylor Site is located about six miles north of Shepards-
ville, Kentucky, off highway 1020. It is a 23-acre site in a valley
between the L&N Railroad's golf course and the Jefferson County Memo-
rial Park. The park is used by the Audubon Society as a bird-watching
sanctuary. Drums were stacked and scattered over the property.
Drainage from this valley entered an unnamed tributary to Wilson
Creek.
Mr. Sholar provided the following information:
Mr. Taylor died in 1977 and left the property to his widow.
The operation at this site consisted of pouring industrial waste
into pits and trenches and covering with soil. Drums of hazard-
ous substances were stacked five-and-six high in certain areas.
In the summertime, the vapors from the drums caused people in the
area to experience headaches and nausea. Drums are swollen by
internal pressure and frequently burst. The contents drain into
the creek.
The nearby property owners have deep wells and shallow wells that
are believed to be contaminated. These residents are forced to
buy water for their own use.
Drums of hazardous substances were transported to this site for
disposal from industries such as Reliance Corporation, Proctor
and Gamble, and Ford Motor Company.
Mr. Taylor operated at this site for at least? ten years. A per-
mit was never issued to Mr. Taylor for the disposal of hazardous
wastes.
Once this valley was a pretty piece of property. It now contains
an estimated 100,000 drums of hazardous substances aboveground and an
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unknown quantity of drums and liquid waste underground. A potential
environmental crisis definitely existed in this valley, the "Valley of
the Drums."
Kenneth Big lane, Director of Oil and Special Materials Division
(OSMD) at EPA Headquarters, was notified about the situation at the
brickyard and the "Valley of the Drums." Mr. Biglane reported that
the governor of Kentucky had made a written request to the President
of the United States for money and assistance to relieve the emergency
created by the drums along Stump Gap Creek. EPA was in the process of
obtaining funds for the removal operation.
At 4:30 p.m., Mr. Biglane stated that EPA was going to issue a
contract for an amount not to exceed $100,000 to relieve the environ-
mental emergency created by the drums of industrial waste in the Stump
Gap Creek area. Mr. Biglane emphasized the point that the money was
for the emergency phase and not to solve the problem. Mr. Biglane had
been working with Al Smith, Chief of the Environmental Emergency
Branch, EPA Region IV, on the sole source justification for using O.H.
Materials, Inc., as the cleanup contractor. O.H. Materials, Inc., has
experience in handling hazardous substances and could readily respond
to this incident.
At 5:30 p.m., Mr. Biglane reported that O.H. Materials, Inc., had
been issued a project number for removing the drums. Mr. Smith named
Mr. Stonebraker the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) for EPA. The incident
was to be handled as a spill event under Section 311.
The OSC talked to Joe Kirk of O.H. Materials about the number of
men and equipment that would be necessary to complete the task. It
was decided to bring in six men, trucks, and backhoe to remove the
drums to high ground where the liquid could be transferred from the
damaged drums to reconditioned drums.
The OSC also called Ben Eason of the Public Information Assist-
ance Team (PIAT) and requested his assistance in providing accurate
information to the news media. Mr. Eason and Richard Griggs arrived
on-scene at 11:30 p.m.
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January 6, 1979
A command post with four telephone lines was established in a
motel in Shepardsville, Kentucky. The OSC requested two members of
the Coast Guard Gulf Strike Team to assist in the removal operation.
They arrived on-scene at 7:00 p.m.
In addition, John Gilbert, EPA ERT, provided assistance to the
OSC by monitoring the EPA contract procedures.
Prior to the arrival of O.H. Materials, an EPA attorney obtained
permission from the owners to initiate the cleanup activities. Per-
sonnel for O.H. Materials arrived on-scene at 12:30 p.m., and began
removing drums from the floodwaters and the surrounding fields to high
ground.
The weather worsened as additional snow and sleet fell and the
temperature was 15°F. Working conditions were miserable. However, 25
drums of industrial waste were removed from Stump Gap Creek and trans-
ported to high ground.
At 8:00 p.m., a meeting was held in the command post to discuss
the organizational activities. The following personnel were present
at the meeting:
R.D. Stonebraker EPA OSC
Ben Eason PIA Team
Richard Griggs PIA Team
Joseph Kirk O.H. Materials
Ben Benson Gulf Strike Team
Herbert Rauh Gulf Strike Team
John Gilbert EPA ERT
The removal operations would begin at daylight and continue until
dark, about a ten hour day. John Gilbert and Herbert Rauh would moni-
tor the daily work sheets and contract procedures. Ben Eason and
Richard Griggs would handle the news media. Ben Benson would work
with the contractor and obtain equipment such as four-wheel drive
vehicles from other government agencies.
The floodwaters of Stump Gap Creek were now frozen, making the
removal operation much more difficult. Several methods were dis-
cussed. Mr. Kirk indicated that if the drums could be located under
the ice, they could be winched out with a backhoe. The main problem
was detecting the drums under the ice.
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The transfer of liquid phase from damaged drums would not begin
until January 8, 1979, when the reconditioned drums arrived. Only
authorized personnel with protective clothing would be allowed near
the transfer area.
The OSC advised those present that a Regional Response Team (RRT)
meeting would be held in the command post on January 8, 1979.
January 7, 1979
The analyses of samples collected in 1977 by EPA indicated the
following organics were present:
Xy1ene
Toluene
Octylphythalate
Tetrach1oroethy1ene
Aklybenzene
Naphthalene
Dibutylphthalate
Dimethyl phthalate
Octylphthalate
Trichloroethy1ene
Hex a
Octo
Based on these analyses, it was decided to pump the liquid from
the damaged drum into a skid tank (1500 gallons capacity). The recon-
ditioned drums could be filled from the skid tank. This would speed
up the transfer operation.
Legal purposes required that the damaged drums be photographed
prior to pumping into the skid tank. The reconditioned drums would
have to be numbered and photographed after being filled from the skid
tank.
To-date, 137 drums were removed from the creek and transported to
high ground.
The OSC contacted Jack McClure, Assistant Commissioner for
KDNREP, and advised him of the current situation. He also informed
him that EPA would handle public information from the scene. At the
same time, the OSC requested a contact for a state public information
officer in order to work with the state agency on all news releases.
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January 8, 1979
Vehicles and equipment could be obtained from the U.S. Army at
Fort Knox, Kentucky. The OSC requested the support of the U.S. Army
through the Chairman of the National Response team (NRT). DOD repre-
sentative on the NRT, Colonel Sadler, contacted the OSC and estab-
lished a liaison with U.S. Army at Fort Knox. The liaison was Ken
Sutherland. He provided support through the emergency operation.
A meeting of the RRT was held in the command post. Those present
were as follows:
Al Smith, EPA Region IV, Chairman
R.D. Stonebraker, OSC
Burt Roark, Commissioner, KDNREP
Jack McClure, Assistant Commissioner, KDNREP
Captain Woods, USCG, 2nd District
LCDR Gregg, USCG, MSO Louisville
John Gilbert, EPA ERT
The chairman stated that the purpose of the meeting was to advise
the members of the current situation and to provide guidance to the
OSC on certain issues. The chairman reminded the state that the
$100,000 was to relieve the emergency. However, the OSC would be
frugal in the use of the money. Perhaps some money would be left for
disposal. Should there be funds available for disposal, EPA would
have to rely on the state of Kentucky for a disposal site.
Mr. Roark advised the RRT that Kentucky does not have an approved
hazardous waste disposal site. However, he would assist in any way
possible in finding a suitable site. Mr. McClure would represent
KDNREP on-scene.
January 9, 1979
Mike Carter, EPA in Athens, Georgia, was en route to West Point,
Kentucky, to collect samples from private wells, the surface waters,
and water supplies for the City of West Point and Fort Knox.
Representatives from the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources
were to meet with FDAA to discuss the events at the site and addi-
tional funding.
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Problems in locating drums under four inches of ice continued.
There was some evidence that drums had been burned in pits near Stump
Gap Creek.
U.S. Army at Fort Knox agreed to provide personnel to operate
mine detectors in an effort to locate these drums. The operation
would begin on the following day.
Approximately 520 drums had been removed from the field and creek
area to central transfer location. An estimated 200 drums still
remained under the ice and in the streambed. Transfer operations of
waste from damaged drums to the reconditioned drums began this date.
January 10, 1979
An overflight for aerial photos was conducted by a local con-
tractor arranged through EPIC. The Stump Gap Creek work area, the
brickyard, and the "Valley of the Drums" were observed from an army
helicopter overflight. The stream flow from Stump Gap Creek to Pond
Creek to the Salt River to the Ohio River was traced, a distance of
about five stream miles. Approximately nine drums were observed in
the floodplain of Pond Creek. It is believed that drums were depos-
ited there by receding floodwaters.
About 30 army personnel from the 19th Engineering Battalion of
Fort Knox arrived at midday to begin a survey with mine detectors of
the Stump Gap Creek area. One-third of the area was covered and
detectors showed the presence of metal in about fifty locations. Two
large areas, about 20' x 40' were believed to contain drums in under-
ground pits. Digging conducted in one of these areas confirmed the
presence of buried drums.
A lot of the drums contained ice and sludge which hampered the
transfer operation. For example, it took 70 damaged drums to fill 30
reconditioned drums. The sludge remaining in these drums added to the
disposal problem.
January 11, 1979
Captain Craig of the U.S. Army related that three of his men had
reported to the medical clinic with vomiting and cramps. These men
had been involved in the survey with mine detectors.
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Ben Benson and the OSC visited the clinic and talked with the
medical doctors. The men could have been exposed to the chemicals.
However, they believed that the symptoms were caused by a virus.
An agreement was reached with the Army to continue the survey.
They were only to stake the areas where metal was detected. They were
not to do any probing. This would be done by personnel from O.H.
Materials.
Plans were made to take more photographs from the air in the army
helicopter. John White, Regional Administrator for EPA Region IV,
arrived at the command post with Mr. Eugene Mooney, Secretary for
KDNREP. The OSC was requested by Mr. White to show them the various
disposal sites.
The OSC met Mr. White at the command post at 2:30 p.m. An over-
flight was made in U.S. Army and state helicopters of the "Valley of
the Drums" and the brickyard, then landed at the work site. The
following personnel made the flight:
John White Regional Administrator, EPA Region IV
Alec Little Deputy Regional Administrator
Eugene Mooney Secretary, KDNREP
Burt Roark Cormtissioner, KDNREP
R.D. Stonebraker EPA OSC
The OSC briefed Mr. White on what had happened to-date. He
instructed the OSC to continue the survey with the mine detectors and
to collect samples from the drums for analyses at EPA laboratory in
Athens, Georgia.
Several waste disposal service representatives visited the
command post to discuss possible disposal of material with their
companies.
Roland Sarabia, FDAA, said that Jefferson County had received a
declaration as a disaster area due to the flooding. The OSC was
advised that $50,000 would be reimbursed to EPA's account for the
removal but not disposal of the hazardous substances from the Stump
Gap Creek area.
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January 12, 1979
At the work site, representatives from the news media, U.S. Army,
and property owners were getting too close to the transfer area. For
their safety, a security system at the work site was set up to estab-
lish better control of nonessential personnel. No one was restricted
from the area but personnel other than EPA, USCG, and O.H. Materials,
Inc., would be escorted around the work site.
A crew from Durrin Film, Inc., arrived on-scene to film the oper-
ation for EPA. They were escorted by Ben Eason.
A meeting took place with Mr. Braswell, an FDAA representative,
to discuss which work, men, and equipment were drum-recovery related
and which were related to transfer operations.
There was a misunderstanding between EPA and the state as to the
use of the funds. Mr. Mooney was under the impression that, with the
additional $50,000 from FDAA, $150,000 was available for the cleanup
activities.
Mr. Biglane explained that the $50,000 from FDAA was to reimburse
EPA for money already spent in the recovery operation. The total for
relieving the emergency situation was still $100,000.
Captain Bruce Sprouse, Public Information Officer for the U.S.
Army at Fort Knox, reported that three additional personnel checked
into the hospital with the same symptoms of those on the previous day.
He requested a meeting with Colonel Pagel to discuss a course of
action.
The consensus was that a virus was the cause of headaches and
nausea and not exposure to the chemicals. However, with six people in
the hospital, all of whom were involved in the survey, additional
safety precautions were implemented. It was agreed that army
personnel involved in the detection of underground burial sites should
wear protective clothing but not the self-contained breathing
apparatus.
The survey with mine detectors was postponed until Monday,
January 15, 1979. This provided an opportunity to see if any more
army personnel would check into the clinic.
Another vacuum unit was obtained to increase the rate of drum-to-
drum waste transfer. To-date, 830 drums of hazardous substances had
been recovered. Ninety-four reconditioned drums had been filled.
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January 13, 1979
Transfer of wastes into reconditioned drums continued. When one
of the workmen for O.H. Materials opened a drum, his protective
breathing appartatus could not cope with the strong fumes. There were
three other drums that contained the same material. These drums were
not transferred to reconditioned druns. Samples of this material were
collected for analyses.
We received information from a Mr. Greenwood that drums were
buried on Jefferson County's property about one-half mile downstream
from the work site. U.S. Army personnel would survey the area with
mine detectors.
The Forestry Service also advised that a large number of drums
were buried at Smith's Dump on Blue Lick Road near Shepardsville,
Kentucky. Bob Sholar knew about the site. He said that part of this
site was permitted by the state for the disposal of hazardous waste.
Several inquiries were received from the news media about the
disposal of waste material. Apparently, the state had issued a state-
ment to the media that the material would be transported to Alabama
for disposal or some other site outside the state of Kentucky.
The OSC emphasized the fact that the $100,000 was to relieve the
environmental emergency created by the drums in the Stump Gap Creek
area and not for disposal. However, if there was any money left, it
would be considered for use in disposing of the waste material.
Gordon Howard, EPIC, arrived to assist in photo interpretation.
After examining the photos, he planned an overflight to spot addi-
tional drum sites.
January 14, 1979
Consultation with the representative from O.H. Materials on the
projected cost revealed that $100,000 would cover drum-to-drum
transfer and wrap-up cost, but not transportation and disposal.
Messrs. Biglane, Smith, and McClure were advised that funds had
been exhausted and drums would have to remain at the present location.
Transfer of waste to reconditioned drums continued.
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Mr. McClure reported that NEWCO, Inc., made a bid of $9,700 to
dispose of products in drums. Drums would be transported to their
site in Robstown, Texas. Sample analyses were not required. Mr.
McClure was informed that there was not $9,700 left in the fund for
disposal.
The OSC talked to Mrs. Bennie Severmes, the owner of the property
where the drums would have to be stored temporarily. He explained that
the funds had been exhausted and the drums would remain on her prop-
erty until arrangements could be made for disposal.
January 15, 1979
The waste transfer into reconditioned drums was completed.
Seventy-three drums were emptied, crushed by a dozer, and covered with
soil. A dike was constructed around the 200 reconditioned drums
containing the waste products from the damaged drums. Seven hundred
fifty-nine drums containing sludge and the contaminated soil were
diked, covered with plastic, and topped with about one foot of soil.
This would prevent the spread of contaminants that might result from
runoff.
There were several bales of hay adjacent to the transfer area.
The owner, Mr. Milburn Walker, wanted to use the hay to feed his
cattle. However, the hay had been contaminated and could not be used
for that purpose. Therefore, it was used to adsorb the sludge inside
the diked area. The hay would have to be disposed of, along with the
sludge and empty drums.
The drums, contaminated soil, and sludge were left on the highest
ground in the area. The floodwaters in December 1978, did not reach
this area. However, the area is vulnerable to future flooding.
The environmental emergency had been relieved by recovering 832
drums from the Stump Gap Creek area. The waste from the damaged drums
was transferred to reconditioned drums and stored on the highest
ground in the area. The cost of this recovery operation was $97,700.
The command post was closed and certain members of the response
team returned to their respective duty stations.
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Members of the Gulf Strike Team remained on-scene with army
personnel to finish the survey with the mine detectors.
Eight samples were collected from the reconditioned drums and
transported to EPA laboratory.
2-13
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3. PHOTOGRAPHS
3-1
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eo
r\3
DRUMS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE RECOVERED FROM
STUMP GAP CREEK
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co
CO
DRUMS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE LODGED IN TREES ADJACENT
TO STUMP GAP CREEK AFTER FLOOD OCCURRED
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DRUMS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE IN FIELD
NEXT TO STUMP GAP CREEK
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00
DRUMS ON AND UNDER ICE IN STUMP GAP CREEK
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CA)
01
DRUMS OF WASTES IN STUMP GAP CREEK DRAINAGE AREA
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DRUMS CONTAINING WASTE MATERIALS IN STUMP GAP CREEK
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00
REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAM MEETING
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GO
I
TRANSPORTING DRUMS TO TRANSFER AREA
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AERIAL VIEW OF TRANSFER AREA
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ARMY PERSONNEL LAYING GRID TO LOCATE UNDERGROUND DRUMS
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UJ
ro
DAMAGED DRUMS CONTAINING SLUDGE PRIOR TO
COVERING WITH PLASTIC AND SOIL
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UJ
ARMY PERSONNEL USING MINE DETECTORS TO LOCATE UNDERGROUND DRUMS
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I
h->
*>
AREA FOR TRANSFERRING HAZARDOUS WASTE FROM
THE DAMAGED DRUMS TO RECONDITIONED DRUMS
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I
I—'
in
COLLECTING SAMPLE FROM DRUM FOR CHEMICAL ANALYSES
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OJ
TRANSFERRING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE FROM DAMAGED DRUM
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s
HAZARDOUS WASTE MATERIALS COVERED WITH SOIL UNTIL FINAL
DISPOSAL COULD BE ARRANGED
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,
CO
WASTE MATERIAL COVERED WITH PLASTIC
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4. DISPOSITION OF DRUMS
Eight hundred thirty drums containing hazardous substances were
removed from Stump Gap Creek to relieve an emergency situation. The
drums were transported to the highest ground in the area. The liquid
phase of these drums was pumped into a skid tank and then transferred
into reconditioned DOT-approved drums. It was not possible to empty
all of the damaged drums because some of them contained sludge and
frozen material.
The empty drums and those containing sludge were stored at the
transfer area, diked, covered with plastic, and topped with about a
foot of soil. About 300 cubic yards of empty barrels, contaminated
soil, and sludge had to be removed and disposed of at an approved
hazardous waste site.
The Kentucky Department for Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection obtained money from the governor's emergency fund to remove
and dispose of this material. They received a bid from Nuclear Engi-
neering Company to dispose of the drums, sludge, and contaminated soil
at its site near Robstown, Texas. The initial price quoted was
$30,000. However, negotiations were terminated when Nuclear Engineer-
ing upped the fee for transportation and disposal to $60,000.
The state agency took bids from several other companies and
decided to use NEWCO. NEWCO was to dispose of the material at its
site in Williamsport, Ohio. The drums containing hazardous substance
were to be incinerated, and the sludge and contaminated soil land-
filled.
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The waste material was transported from the Stump Gap Creek area
to the Ohio site, but the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency refused
to allow NEWCO to incinerate the waste material. Thus, NEWCO put the
drums in a "safe storage area." It is not known where this "safe
storage area" is located.
A helicopter flight observation of the Stump Gap Creek area on
February 9, 1979, showed that NEWCO had left a mess on Mrs. Bennie
Seventies' property. Contaminated soil, sludge, and hay remained
scattered over this property. The OSC was assured that NEWCO would
finish the job.
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5. STUMP GAP CREEK
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT LOG
5 JANUARY 1979, FRIDAY
1600 EPA authorized to spend up to $100,000 to remove environmental
emergency created by contamination by the drums containing
hazardous substances. Streams affected were Stump Gap Creek
and Pond Creek located one mile north of West Point, Kentucky,
along route 31W. Estimated 600 drums, 200 of which are lo-
cated within the waters of the subject creeks. EPA contract-
ing officer notified 0 & H materials as the prime contractor
for removal of the drums. Notified USCG PIA team to assist at
approximately 1630. ERT will provide project officer. PIA
team arrived on scene 2120. Briefed by Mr. Stonebraker EPA.
0 & H Materials to be on scene 6 January.
6 JANUARY 1979, SATURDAY
1130 Established Command Post at motel (Best Western), room 221.
0 & H Materials on scene 1230. Advised by EPA attorney, Sara
Turnipseed, that permission has been granted by property owner
to enter his property to begin cleanup operations. Twenty-
five drums secured to higher ground as well as removing three
drums that were floating in Pond Creek. PIA team to begin con-
tacting local news media. Phone communications set up in C.P.
Two GST personnel requested and arrived on scene 1900.
5-1
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7 JANUARY 1979, SUNDAY
1930 OSC and Contractor Meeting
Personnel Present: J. Stonebraker, EPA OSC; John Gilbert,
EPA ERT; Ben Eason, USCG PAO; Richard Griggs, USCG PAO; Joe
Kirk, 0 & H Materials; Greg Githens, 0 & H Materials;
C. Benson, USCG GST; H. Rauh, USCG GST. Future plans and
recommendations were discussed concerning subject spill inci-
dent. Mr. Stonebraker advised that there will be convening of
the RRT 8 January 1979, approximately 1300. Also mentioned
was the fact that the Governor of Kentucky may grant a day off
to all state employees due to the adverse weather. The docu-
mentation and logging procedures for the removal of drums were
discussed and no definite plan of procedures was settled on.
Mr. Kirk advised the OSC that he will attempt to remove some
drums from the water tomorrow (8 January). There is no defi-
nite time on the arrival of 55-gallon drums (at this time),
but will be arriving from Louisville sometime 8 January. The
drums will be used to store the product till a disposal sight
is set on. Mr. Eason indicated that there will be a press
conference on scene for the local news media. Everybody
present agrees that the press personnel should be kept at a
safe distance from the transfer operation. Mr. Kirk advised
OSC that his work crew will depart the motel at 0700 to begin
work OPS. Mr. Gilbert will accompany and supervise the OPS.
Benson and Rauh will call the GSA motor pool in Louisville to
acquire a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Mr. Eason advised that his
press conference will be held at 1400. Another triton will be
needed from the GST to facilitate better communications. 132
drums have been removed to high ground total to date. Five
drums were moved yesterday, bringing the total to 137 drums
moved to date. Two separate systems will be used to document
the transfer of product from the drums.
1. For legal purposes, each drum will be numbered, sampled,
and photographed before being emptied into a skid tank.
5-2
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2. For general record purposes, a count will be made each day
on how many drums were removed, transferred, and des-
troyed. This information will be for daily sheet entries.
(System NG #1 may be revised.)
Subject meeting secured 2040 L/T.
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES FOR 7 JANUARY 1979
Contacted Jack McClure, Assistant Commissioner of Kentucky
Department of Natural Resources (KDNR), advised him of situa-
tion. Advised EPA will handle public information from scene
and requested state PIO contact.
1710 Requested by OSL limited activation of RRT, to be convened
1300 January 8, 1979, Best Western Motel, Shepardsville,
Kentucky.
1930 Conducted OSC end of day meeting (see first entry for informa-
tion). Secured 2040 1/t.
8 JANUARY 1979, MONDAY
0810 Called Louisville GSA motor pool inquiring about a 4-wheel
drive vehicle. No vehicle available at this time.
0817 Called C.O.E. navigation branch about procuring a 4-wheel
drive vehicle. No vehicle available.
0830 Called C.O.E. construction - same, no vehicle available.
Advise Stonebraker to contact DOD representative to establish
liaison with United States Army Fort Knox to acquire a
vehicle.
5-3
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0831 Received call from Bob Sholar advising that permission has
been granted to gain access to the racetrack.
0850 Telephone Company called to make arrangements for one on-scene
telephone to be installed today.
0900 Col. Sadler, DOD NRT Member, called OSC. Sadler will estab-
lish contact at Fort Knox and help OSC with transportation and
communication problems. Fort Knox contact will return call
OSC.
1000 Talked with Mr. Sutherland, Fort Knox. Telephone # (502)
624-2751, "5448," "3613." Will provide us with a 6-passenger
pick-up and will help establish communications.
1030 Pol rep one telefaxed to EPA 4.
1035 PAL Griggs advised LTJG Eason that personnel from Jefferson
County Sheriff's Office contacted and advised of operations at
site.
1145 Conversation between Eason and A.P. Frankfort (Marie Braden)
revealed that A.P. was told by somebody that waste would be
disposed of in Alabama. OSC was not aware that any decision
had been made.
1310 RRT Meeting called to discuss drum problem and train derail-
ment near.
1455 RRT Meeting ended.
1500 POLREP one read to Chris - EPA 4.
1510 OSC depart for scene.
1730 OSC return.
5-4
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1940 At the site at 1145 Mr. Eubank (933-1404) showed up. He was
asked to inspect the site by Mr. Jesse Bel lew (282-3888) owner
of the racetrack. Mr. Bel lew owns all the land from the 2nd
telephone pole to Salt River and 31W to Pond Creek except the
small farm owned by Distler. Distler owns the weed field.
Mr. Eubank said the soybeans still good.
Mr. Eubank also said we had torn up a water well at the old
home site. I talked to the D6 operator who said he hit only
an old trough.
The land north of the 2nd telephone pole is owned by Ms.
Bernie of the First/Last Chance liquor store.
Mr. Mil burn Walker (447-5276) father of the leasee of the soy
beans and corn on site; son's name Victor Walker (543-4548).
I gave both Mr. Eubank and Walker the OSC's name along with
mine. JMA
2345 POLREP two telefaxed to EPA 4.
9 JANUARY 1979, TUESDAY
0730 OSC Command Post manned.
0814 Mike Carter EPA Athens called and advised they are coming to
site and intend sample streams in farm and brickyard area.
Concerned about need for search warrant to gain access.
0819 Gordon Golf called and spoke with John Gilbert.
5-5
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0824 Jack McClure called Stonebraker to advise of delay in arriving
meeting due wx.
0833 Al Smith dictates POLREP two and Region IV office.
0837 Cdr. Gregg COTP Louisville provided following river data based
on prediction obtained 1500 8 January 1979:
January 9 January 10 January 11
40.0 39.0 38.5
0700 reading 9 January 1979 was 39.3.
Predictions for 10th, llth, and 12th expected 1500 today.
0853 Linton, Region IV called Stonebraker; advised he will contact
Fort Knox environmental personnel Chaudoin and Kifer and chief
of staff, Colonel Thomas G. Graham.
0925 Depart CP for on-site news conference.
1000 Chris from Region IV called to advise POLREP 2 (now POLREP 3)
was unreadable from magna fox. As per Al Smith directive
future POLREPs are to be dictated.
1035 Arthur Linton called and passed following information for
Stonebraker: Fort Knox environmental contact is Bill Chaudoin
(pronounced Chadin) (502) 624-3629 or 4654. Recommend get off
duff and go see him at Fort. Col. Gunner is facilities engi-
neer and Col. Quinn is chief of staff. Army is interested in
knowing length of time involved with storage and would drums
require more security than simply setting them within fort
boundaries. Army will not provide extra security. Army has
possible site they do not think is in floodplain. For final
authorization to use site, OSC may need to declare that situa-
tion requires emergency storage. Otherwise will have to
arrange for storage by alternate method. Linton will support
5-6
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Jack's decision. Again Linton feels it is best to talk to
Army personnel by visiting fort.
1110 John Gilbert phoned and advised that OH Trailer now has phone,
922-4692.
1120 Clay Rice, Courier-Journal, interviews OSC Stonebraker.
1155 Lt. Walton, MSO Louisville, advised that helo (arranged for by
CG) froze up and would not be available for overflight today.
If desired for 10 January 1979, call Bob Poole at (812)
282-3377. Company is "Whirlaway."
1213 Wilson from state called for Roark to get phone numbers.
1231 Jack McClure requested aerial photos which CG exhibited at RRT
meeting 8 January. Contacted MSO Louisville, Lt. Walter, with
request for photos and if possible, delivery to motel for
McClure pickup. Walton felt that Cdr. Gregg had photos but
not sure of location. Gregg at train derailment site and
unavailable. CG has negatives for future use by state if
desired; McClure advised photos not available at this time.
1250 McClure called to request Stonebraker or Smith bring Polaroid
to him at work site when EPA returned. Advised him Benson had
camera at site we assumed.
1400 Contacted Gordon Gulf for list of carcinogens. Awaiting reply
on 13 chemicals sampled.
1415 Ken Sutherland called; desires to send two men to site at 3
p.m. to survey area. Advised John Gilbert and he will escort.
1424 Larry O'Neal called for information on wells, i.e., which are
the communities or wells indicated in telegram. Replied gen-
erally without specifics on towns.
5-7
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1430 Gordon Howard Epic called for information on site. Can't fly
today due icing. Local contractor Steve Jennings will attempt
tomorrow. Already has photos of flood. Site on farm 38° 00'
85" 56'. Passed information for photos of brickyard and
Valley of Drums. Gordon Howard (703) 557-3110.
1500 COTP called with river levels predicted for 0700 on 10th 38.8,
llth 39.0, 12th 35.5.
1520 Griggs advised EPA O'Neal of decision on Pres. telegram and
that we are not certain as to which wells are referred to.
Federal OSC and state reps agreed in RRT meeting not to
release telegram. O'Neal stated it had already been released
since he received OK from Gov. Press Secretary, Gary Duxier;
intend to advise O'Neal to clear or advise OSC of future
releases before going out to media. Plan to advise Smith and
Biglane. Smith advised and he passed to Biglane. Concur with
OSC.
1533 Called Gordon Guff for carcinogen status. He had not found
any that were. Since some of drum contents are by-products,
he went to OSHA, Dave Weitzman, who will call us in a couple
of hours. I called Frank Ashley, 1-895-1368, New York Times,
but got no answer (called again at 1702 with no answer).
(Contact made 1835.)
1700 Dave Weitzman (EPA) (202) 755-4390 called with following data
on next page. Only Naphthalene is listed and is listed in
OSHA's listing as proposed Class 2 carcinogen.
1705 Sholar visited CP stated that Ron Reinke of NEWCO will meet
him on Thursday, 0830 in Louisville and then visit site for
more accurate cost estimate on disposal. Phone estimate is
$15,000 and $4.00/drum for transportation. Also I learned
earlier from Curtis Rosser of Chemical Waste Management he is
contacting state on disposal.
5-8
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1810 John Gilbert returns from site, i.e., arrived CP.
1830 OSC Stonebraker returns Command Post.
2345 Manning of Command Post suspended for the night
R.S Griggs, PIA Team
Additional chemical data obtained from Dave Weitzman
Xylene - not listed as carcinogen.
Toluene - not listed.
Octylphthalate - no data found.
Tetrachloroethylene - not listed but very toxic.
Alkylbenzene C-3, C-4, C-4 - found nothing under Alkyl.
Naphthalene - listed as proposed Class 2 carcinogen.
Dibutyl Phthalate - not listed.
Dimethyl Phthalate - not listed.
Octyl Phthalate - found no information.
Methyl Thenanthrene -
Hexa and Octa - not listed as carcinogen.
Trichloroethylene - not listed but shown to cause cancer in
mice.
10 JANUARY 1979, WEDNESDAY
0645 Best Western Command Post manned, Room 221.
0723 OSC Stonebraker and DCI Benson depart command for work site
and visit to Fort Knox.
0730 Courier-Journal reporter Clay Rice called for update and ques-
tions on "Valley of Drums" approximately five miles north of
Shepherdsville on highway 1020.
0803 John Gilbert, EPA ERT, departs command post enroute. Steve
Jennings aerial photo at Louisville airport (502) 366-4571 to
discuss aerial photos to be taken today of Stump Gap Creek and
5-9
-------
vicinity, West Point Brickyard, and "Valley of Drums," five
miles north of Shepardsville east of highway 1020.
0820 Gordon Guff EPA called for update from POLREP 4, 10:31 p.m.,
January 9. Al Smith advised it would be sent via TWX shortly.
0825 POLREP 4 dictated to Chris in Region IV for TWX asap to all
parties.
0920 John Gilbert called from airport. Information passed on radio
pickup: Delta #006, Org. - MSY, Serial # 7587-3140 GBL #
K-4782145 signed 8 January 1200. Routing: Atlanta on Delta
to SDF Louisville. For pick-up by Benson or Raugh (GST 601
688-2380). Also overflight still scheduled for 1000.
0945 Mr. Rosier (sp.?), Livington, Alabama, called Command Post for
McClure to inform him that drum transportation would begin
Monday as per their verbal contract. Rosier indicated he was
not sure who was paying. Smith advised him to talk to OSC and
stated that federal government does not have a contract or
agreement of any kind with Rosier or anyone else as of now.
Rosier felt he was "low bidder" and had the job.
0953 OSC called and advised army was delayed but still expected to
arrive this morning. Smith advised OSC of Rosier conversation
at 0945.
1015 Smith and Eason depart CP for work site.
1112 Gilbert returns to Command Post from airport with GST radio
equipment.
1115 Media interest update: Courier-Journal, two TVs, and two
radios called with questions about "Valley of Drums." Advised
that EPA primary concern and funding is for farm site. Am not
aware of any EPA action planned. Have visited site. State
has been aware for some time.
5-10
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1145 John Gilbert, EPA ERT, departs for work site.
1240 Herb called with mine detector status. See 1305 for report.
1300 Nancy Duncan called to advise that she has been replaced by Ed
Shelby, 564-2041. Also to correct some misinformation. State
and EPA are not sharing costs and disposal site is not yet
definite. (Al Taylor 18,000 short, i.e., difference in cost.)
EPA will work till money runs out. Also state is going with
release spelling out background.
1305 Eason called with update on army mine detectors and sites of
buried drums. Also to put Clark on standby.
1357 I passed to Greg request for OH feature article Chemical
Engineering News calling back for Stonebraker.
1451 Cdr. Gregg called with river forecast 0700 today 38' 11-39.0',
12-37.0', 13-32.0'. Brief him on finding buried drums.
1510 Passed to OSC and Eason that McClure says permission obtained
from Distler attorney to go on brickyard for sampling water
and he assumes drums.
1540 Contacted Clark, PIA Team, in Virginia and instructed him to
proceed to Kentucky.
1608 Debbie Hockensmith arrives Command Post.
1617 Dave Weitzman, EPA, called to say Trichloroethylene is Class 1
carcinogen. It is listed as ethylene, trichloro in OSHA's
proposed listing.
1618 Rosier called Smith to say he did not have a contract for
transport and disposal of drums.
1657 OSC enroute Command Post.
5-11
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1706 OSC, Eason, Gilbert arrives.
0200 Command Post secured.
R. S. Griggs, PIA Team
11 JANUARY 1979, THURSDAY
0630 Command Post, Room 221, Best Western manned. Larry Clark, 3rd
PIA team member, arrived 0245.
0716 Capt. Craig, Fort Knox reports that a number of soldiers in-
volved in mine survey reported to medical clinic with vomiting
and cramps. Benson advised Capt. that problem would be dis-
cussed with OSC and we would be back in touch. Capt. Craig
624-6355.
0726 Called Capt. Craig. Duty officer stated Capt. was in Colo-
nel's office and not available. I requested Capt. be advised
of my call and I would call again in 10 minutes.
0730 Capt. Sprouse, Chief, Public Affairs Fort Knox called,
624-3351 or 7451 or 3051 or 4413. Information passed to
reporter Jim Brown by Sprouse. Not aware of reimbursement
procedures for use of soldiers. Would like to know for media.
1 4x4 5 detectors 1 Helo
19th Engineer Battalion performing, labeled as training. I
stated EPA has no problem with interview on Army participa-
tion. Brown stated OSC and Col. Pagel (sp.) in meeting. Why?
(WSAC) Boss is Lt. Col. Duchin. 2nd Walter Freeland. Sgt.
1st Albert Sweet. Annkeever
0732 Capt. Craig confirmed 3 persons complaining of symptoms. A
4th also but not one of personnel involved at work site. The
5-12
-------
3 will be admitted to hospital for observation and treatment
as virus. Craig also advised Benson they would bring several
Mark V protective masks just in case.
Benson also spoke with Capt. Burton to express appreciation
for work but to request that personnel conduct themselves in a
more serious manner when on scene due to public attention
drawn to situation.
0812 Capt. Sprouse (351-1673 home), passed information on 3 going
to hospital treat as virus. Ft. Duty Officer, 624-6951 or
6450 has numbers of all. Unit sending med officer along and
bringing protective masks. May or may not wear masks, Sprouse
doesn't know.
0813 Stonebraker received call from Baldwin.
0826 Capt. Sprouse called to say protective masks are not being
brought to work site.
0830 Stonebraker called by Little.
0918 Fort called on medical problem.
0919 Ken Biglane called; nothing specific.
0922 John Gilbert contacted by Fort.
0932 Called Capt. Sprouse and requested he relay to Craig that OSC
and Benson enroute for meeting with Sutherland.
0937 Advised McClure of Army medical situation, as he had a ques-
tion about it from fire marshal 1. Further, we wish to keep
this quiet until we confirm or determine exactly what the
problem is. Army concurred with this position. No workmen or
EPA personnel have similar symptoms.
5-13
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0940 Eason advises Ellis-Dep. Fire Marshall of same information as
0937.
0943 McClures says Roark and Wilson coming in by helo around 1400
and that McClure is state contact on scene for media.
0945 Eason, McClure, Clark depart for work site.
0948 Gilbert calls to say OSC should meet with someone at Fort
regarding 4 persons hospitalized. I advised Gilbert that was
OSC's intention.
0953 Sutherland at Fort called to confirm that OSC and Benson were
enroute.
0955 WHAS Radio called for OSC. OSC not available but media
briefed on latest.
0959 Telefaxed p. 1 of POLREP 5 to Region IV . Began p. 2.
1008 Gordon Guff called with following for OSC. OSC and OH pro-
posed scope of work comes to $120,000.00. Guff wants/needs to
know what OSC desires to cut from proposed work to get cost
down to $100,000. Guff needs this information so he can go to
contracting today.
1017 Pass chemical information to Lt. on Capt. Craig's staff since
Benson left it behind.
1029 Smith needs photo of drums in field relative to soy beans to
show how drums were positioned prior to pickup. Also needs
wide-angle shot of field from barn when work completed to show
maximum amount of damage to soybeans. This documentation is
required for upcoming legal action.
1036 Mr. McAllister from building 1227, 624-5748, called and has no
problems doing processing. Can probably do B & W this after-
5-14
-------
noon. E-6 by late tomorrow and C-41 Vericolor late tomorrow
or next day but not necessarily prints. I stated someone would
be in contact with him.
1054 Completed dictation of POLREP 5 to Chris in Region IV begun at
1030. Telefaxed material was unreadable.
1058 WHAS-TV advised they were coming to site at approximately 1.30
P.M. today; primarily interested in filming water sampling.
1107 Cdr. Gregg called for update. He plans to visit site.
1118 Dave Hopkins, EPA, and Messrs. White and Little, RA EPA, are
in Louisville and want to see Stonebraker at valley of drums
around noon. I advise Hopkins OSC was out of contact at the
moment. After further discussion, Hopkins, White, and Little
decided to come to command post at 12:30 and then go to valley
-if not with OSC then someone who knew the way. OH Trailer
phone busy.
1127 Passed msg to OH Trailer, Clark, to advise OSC of Hopkins,
White, and Little's intentions.
1130 Ms. Woods, Allied Phone Co., 543-2231, would like billing
information on CP phones.
1135 Foxy waitress delivers lunch-break...
1148 McClure and Eason return to Command Post from worksite.
1150 Clark called on processing information.
$25. 11x14 $17. 8x10 150% charge for rush.
Get it by 3:00 P.M. Can have down in 4-5 hours. $5/roll E-6
processing.
1153 Herb returns from Airport with 3rd GST man.
5-15
-------
1205 Griggs relieved by Eason in Command Post.
1255 Received call from NBC Chicago. Eason and McClure talked to
him.
1335 Al Smith request that OSC or Mike Carter call Trainer re-
garding Valley of the Drums.
1337 Notified PA2 Clark to pass information to OSC or Carter.
1355 Mr. White arrived on scene.
1420 OSC arrives by Army helicopter.
1435 OSC, Mooney, Roark, White, Little, depart for helicopter over-
flight of the Valley, farm, and Brickyard.
1440 Benson radio transmission from Army helicopter indicates that
he has spotted 75-100 more drums approximately 1/4 mile north
of major disposal area.
1640 OSC returns to CP.
1706 Griggs and Clark return to CP.
2100 Jim Marshal, Chemical Waste Services Inc., arrived to discuss
disposal and visit.
2130 Durrin Film Inc. crew arrived command post for EPA filming of
operation. Durrin Films, Inc., 4926 Sedgwick St., NW, Wash-
ington, D.C., 20016
2300 Command Post secured for night.
R. Griggs
5-16
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12 JANUARY 1979, FRIDAY
0645 Command Post manned.
0700 2nd skidtank arrived to speed transfer at site.
0738 Capt. Sprouse, USA PIO, requests we mention Ft. Knox more when
talking of Army. He is awaiting call from hospital for up-
date. Also awaiting return call from Eason.
0758 Clay Rice, Courier-Journal, called on additional funding. I
replied that discussion had been going on to get funding, but
no money actually received. We do expect to receive 30-50 K
but FDAA funds are, as I understand, generally intended for
reimbursement. FDAA funds are for removal of drums affected
by flood waters. Discussion will continue today on applica-
tion of funds.
0750 Steve Shannon, State Hazardous Materials and Waste Management,
arrives CP.
0805 Debbie Hockensmith called; she is in her Frankfort office.
0810 (Benson, Herb, and Dutch), GST depart for site.
0833 POLREP Six dictated to Chris in Region IV for further trans-
mittal.
0837 Al Smith calls OSC Stonebraker.
0845 Eason and Film crew depart CP enroute site.
Snow begins falling in Shepherdsville.
0903 David Stevens, county judge's office, will be at site to speak
with EPA.
5-17
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0908 Benson called and has set up security at work site to estab-
lish better control on non-essential personnel. No one is
restricted from area but personnel other than EPA, CG and OH
Material and State will be escorted for safety considerations
and to control access to chemical transfer site.
0917 John McClure arrives command post; msg. passed to wait for
Marshal.
0934 FDAA, Bracewell, called for OSC. Today's meeting is set for
1:00 P.M. vice 12:00.
0942 Benson advises Army desires not to work Saturday or Sunday but
will if ordered. Almost completed Creek areas and into soy-
bean field this P.M. Heat in tent, security almost complete.
Bob Panning, Ott Roger in charge of ops. Smooth out transfer
ops. May need helicopter flight before weather sets in. GST
member cannot locate drums in site behind Bennies Liquors.
1005 Little called to advise that Dickenson and Rita Davenport com-
ing down. Concern about disposal suggest getting with state
and Region V on Ohio disposal site. Information passed to
OSC.
1018 Gordon Guff desires photos sent to Washington, D.C.
1023 Stonebraker calls Little at (404) 546-3136 or 3133.
1024 Gilbert contacts Clark at Aerial Photo to have prints sent to
D.C.
1115 Waitress delivering lunch definitely not foxy.
1119 Benson called. Forestry reports drums on Blue Lick or Blue
Creek Rd. of 61 north of Shepherdsville. Sholar says that is
permitted site owned by Smith.
5-18
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1244 Meeting. McClure, Asst. to Commissioner; Gilbert, ERT;
Panning, OH Mat; Bracewell, Stonebraker.
Up to $50,000 transferred, but for what specifically. Only to
get free floating or resting drums along bank and get to a
site for further work. Does not cover drum to drum transfer,
or highway transport. Discussion of what, work, men, and
equipment was drum recovery related and what was related to
transfer ops. FDAA may not pay to get equipment or men home.
Cover cost of getting men and equipment to come due emergency.
May not cover cost of mashing and loading drums.
1309 Meeting continues FDAA representative check on funding to get
men and equipment home today. Is damage to bean field reim-
burseable? Also cost of dressing up area. Definitely no FDAA
funding for digging. Estimated cost to get men and equipment
home on regular day 8K and 10K for overtime.
1325 McClure departs Command Post for overflight and 3:00 P.M. with
state attorney Glover at Bennie's Last Chance Liquors and then
3-3:30 meeting with Distler at Brickyard. McClure should be
back by CP in late afternoon.
1349 Fort Knox called for Stonebraker, regarding health problem. 3
additional personnel checked into hospital. OSC to depart for
Fort meeting.
1408 Fort Knox called again. Same reason.
1418 OSC Dpt. C/P ENR FARM
1420 Clark called OH trailer-ask duty person to contact Benson-
Benson to remain at farm pending arrival of OSC.
1441 Griggs conducted interview with Mobile Radio WLRG. Stated
Livingston has not yet been decided on but was being con-
5-19
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sidered along with other sites in other states. Also that
waste was being transferred from old drums into reconditioned
drums suitable for highway transportation; EPA assistance
gained by telegram requesting assistance from federal govern-
ment; $100,000 allotted for dealing with this emergency only.
1505 Film going to Las Vegas for blowup for fastest possible ser-
vice. G. Howard EPIC on scene tomorrow for interpretation.
Color contact prints to be picked up today. 2nd set to be
sent to Washington, D.C. air courier.
1540 Received press release from state Ed Shelby. Spoke with Ed
and said we had problem using word disposal in connection with
funding. He offered to remove "disposal" from release and
Gilbert and I agreed that would be best. Release had already
gone to P & I but he (Ed) said he would get right on it.
1545 Clark departed CP for Louisville projector and film pickup.
1632 Biglane called and spoke with Gilbert. Even with FDAA assis-
tance, OSC is still only working with $100,000.
1653 Herb at Work Site reports Stonebraker back from Fort and now
inspecting field.
1659 McClure and Glover return to Command post.
1700 Stonebraker called. I advised him of state press release
implying additional 50K for cleanup and disposal.
1730 Stonebraker and Eason returned to command post. Estimate 2
acres of partially buried drums behind Bennies Liquors.
1733 Stonebraker called Secretary Mooney, (502)564-3350. Advised
even with FDAA 50K, still only have working total of 100K.
5-20
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1744 Stonebraker call Biglane at home-not there. Clark returns
with aerial contact prints. Vegas to do blow-ups.
2030 Stonebraker reaches Biglane at home.
2206 Estimate 830 drums recovered to date from surface area. Esti-
mate 150 metal contacts with about 2/3 of area covered. Esti-
mate completion of drum to drum transfer on Sunday. Waste
transfer to continue thru weekend. Army to resume survey on
Monday. Believe all surface drums recovered.
2320 Secured command post for the night.
R.S. Griggs
13 JANUARY 1979, SATURDAY
0715 Command post manned by Griggs and Stonebraker.
0755 OSC phones OH Trailer-no answer.
0758 GST Veenstra reports in for days work.
0800 OSC phones Holiday Inn on 31W, 1-448-2020, for OH Bob Panning,
No answer in Panning's room.
0818 OSC contacts Panning at OH Trailer. Advises that drums are
probably going to Alabama and that will require pallets and
banding.
0835 GST Veenstra departs Command Post for work site to monitor
drum to drum waste transfer.
1009 OH Materials called and spoke with Stonebraker.
5-21
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1011 OSC departs command post to visit L & N train derailment at
Simpsonville. Expected to return CP 1:00 to 1:30 P.M.
1027 Gordon Howard arrives Command Post for photo interpretation.
1105 Spoke with Greg from OH. He reports Ch. 32 TV just arrived.
Transfer ops continue. Two drums giving off vapors. One OH
man inhaled vapors thru respirator and had to (or was) taken
aside to rest and "get some fresh air" according to Greg.
Crew working in John boat to recover barrel in tree. Problem
with escort of media since no federal government rep on scene.
OH bringing in additional protective suits and breathing
apparatus. Sample of "hot" product taken for analysis.
1110 Eason, Benson, Rauh depart CP for work site. DPI calls for
update-wanted to know when drums would be transported to
Livingston, Alabama site. I stated that Ala. was probably the
best and most likely site but not yet definite. UPI was
particularly interested since they have received inquiries
from Mobile.
1150 Jim Brown, WSAC radio, called for update on ops, disposal of
drums, potential for further study of area, other locations,
etc., etc.
1155 Clark departed for airport.
1215 Tried to call OH Trailer for status report to update UPI-no
answer.
1223 WAVE Tom Burnett called for update.
1243 OH (419) 423-3526. Joe Kirk called for OSC. OSC should
return call to OH office # and office can contact Joe.
1300 Trailer called to report that 94 reconditioned drums filled as
of this morning. UPI updated.
5-22
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1315 Clark returns from airport.
1410 Spoke with Panning at work site. Ops continue checking spots
for possible drums missed. Kirk coming in this evening.
1436 OSC returns Command Post.
1450 Benson and Eason returned command post.
1729 OSC contacts Captain Kirkland to express appreciation for PIA
Team.
1731 GST Veenstra radioed CP and reported 37 drums filled today-
bringing estimated total filled to approximately 131.
1735 Veenstra arrives command post.
2050 Don Price-Resource Industries
(312) 832-8680 Res., (312)654-8800
Regards to disposal.
2300 Secured CP for night.
14 JANUARY 1979, SUNDAY
0710 Command post manned.
0720 Gordon Howard checks in with CP. Anticipate arrival of aerial
*
photo enlargements at 10:12 A.M. on American flight #216.
0759 OSC checks in with command post.
0830 GST Raugh departs for OH trailer to work on funds expended.
5-23
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0927 GST Veenstra departs for site to monitor transfer ops.
0930 ACOE rep. Norman Longworth, (502) 935-0440, 10450 Lower River
Rd. between Valley Village and Valley Station on 31W should
have considerable local knowledge of drainage, land ownership,
plans for Stump Gap Creek recreation area.
0954 GST Rauh reports work is underway at site. He and Panning
(OH Mat.) will come to CP shortly to go over costs. Situation
looks dismal.
1130 OSC advised McClure from state of situation, i.e., exhausted
funds no money for disposal and to advise Mooney.
1200 OSC called Biglane and advised that there is no money for dis-
posal or transport of old or reconditioned drums. Drums will
have to remain at work site with diking and plastic covering.
OSC will issue Hr to OH material stating this is OSC's deci-
sion and relieving them of responsibility. Quote on Louis-
ville disposal site $25./load.
1428 OSC departs Command Post to visit site and give Mrs. Bennie
the bad news.
1656 Jack McClure phoned to report that Jerry Rocky of NEWCO made
bid of $9,700 to dispose of product in drums. Drums would be
transported to Texas site. Cost to include transportation.
No sample required. OSC informed of call.
1700 Gordon Howard returned with enlargements of aerial photos pro-
cessed by Las Vegas lab.
1800 News media interest continued thru the day and increased sig-
nificantly as a result of EPA News Release #4 "Lack of Funds."
Army Fort Knox Captain Sprouse and Lieutenant Colonel Duchin
advised of our mention of 19th Eng. Battalion participation in
survey. No problems.
5-24
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1900 OSC advises Mrs. Bennie, Bennies First and Last Chance Liquors
on Dixie Hwy., (502) 922-4713.
2100 Captain Craig called and advised that relative of sick soldier
contacted Senator or Congressman Bryon's office in Maryland
and stated that soldier had been exposed to hazardous chemi-
cals on civilian job.
15 JANUARY 1979, MONDAY
0615 Command Post manned in anticipation of flood of news media
interest following News Release #4.
0640 OSC and Clark up and about.
0715 Remainder of crew on the move.
0724 Captain Craig called OSC. Believes Senator Barnes just
elected replacing Senator Stears.
0748 Log Entry for future information.
Victor Walker (502) 543-4548 Soybean Owner.
Walker Real Estate Broker 447-5276.
Milburn Walker owns hay at work site.
0750 Benson, Rauh, Veenstra GST departed CP for work site.
0816 Phone billing address, as follows, passed to Ms. Wood, Allied
Phone Co. (502) 543-2231: U.S. EPA Region IV.
345 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta GA 30308.
Attn: Gene Mull is
0818 Smith directs OSC to dis-establish CP at end of day.
5-25
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0820 OSC dictated POLREP seven to Francis EEB, Region IV.
0840 New Release read to Hagen Thompson, Region IV.
1000 John Gilbert arrives Command Post. Eason departs CP for site
for media coming to scene.
1004 Log entry for future information
Resource Industries of Ala: 652-9529 office,
home (205) 652-9467.
Curtis Rosser, Atlanta.
Vic Johnson,
Don Price, Oak Brook (312) 832-8680, (312) 654-8800
1024 Gilbert reports that rep from OH Material Inc. will deliver
samples to Atlanta.
1030 Gilbert talked to Benson. They got some readings behind Ms.
Bennie's and will dig in an attempt to locate a drum.
1133 Log removed from CP by OSC.
1200 OSC at site - Contractor in process of constructing dike
around reconditioned barrels. Empty barrels and those con-
taining sludge were diked covered with plastic and topped with
about a foot of soil.
1300 Talked to Miss Benny. Explain what we were doing and told her
EPA attornies would contact her later about her property.
1350 Jack McClure, Asst. Commissioner for Ky. said he had been con-
tacted by some one who would dispose of the material free of
charge.
1450 Job completed. OSC departed for Atlanta.
5-26
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16 JANUARY 1979, TUESDAY
1430 Organized Task Force - people from Enf. Division and Air and
Hazardous Materials Division. Briefed John White about the
disposal sites.
17 JANUARY 1979, WEDNESDAY
1300 Task Force met with Commissioner Roark, Ky, D.N.R. and Charles
Seavers - Developed action plan for "Valley of the Drums,"
Brickyard and Farm. See enclosures.
18 JANUARY 1979, THURSDAY
1030 Meeting with John White.
The following people were present: Paul Traina, Jack Stone-
braker, Ron Allen, Sara Turnipseed, Frank Reed, Gene Mullis,
Bill McBride, Alec Little, and R.C.
Mr. White had just talked to Secretary Mooney, Ky. D.N.R. Mr,
Mooney indicated that he had obtained about $12,000 from
Governor's Emergency Fund. However, Ky. could not make a con-
tract with a private contractor to remove or dispose of haz-
ardous materials. Mr. Mooney requested that EPA make the con-
tract to dispose of the 270 barrels located on farm. They in
turn would reimburse EPA. The state had a firm offer from
TECO to transport and dispose of liquid in the barrels at
their Texas site (near Robtown Tex.) for $9,700.
5-27
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Gene Mull is advised Mr. White they could make a contract with
TECO up to $10,000 and get reimbursement from the state. I
advised Mr. White that it would cost more than $10,000 because
men and a piece of heavy equipment would be needed for loading
trucks.
I also advised Mr. White that EPA Region VI and the state of
Texas should be notified that material was being shipped to
their state. EPA can not be a part of any "Gypsy Hauling."
Mr. White agreed but said not to advise them until everything
was set. He wanted EPA to be the conduit for the state in the
contractual arrangements.
1400 I talked to Jack McClure and advised him that EPA could make a
contract with TECO for $10,000 but we didn't have a mechanism
for being reimbursed beyond $10,000. He said maybe the state
could contract with someone to load the trucks.
1430 I made out a requisition for the contract with TECO. Paul
Traina signed it and took it up to the RA.
1500 Ben Benson reported another suspected dumping site. In a con-
versation with a former employee of Donald Distler, it was re-
ported that drums were stored at an old distillery in Ekron,
Ky. (Meade Co.). It is also believed that drums were pumped
into a well at this location. Also there are several sites in
the hills around West Point, Ky. where he use take drums
(sic).
19 JANUARY 1979, FRIDAY
0730 Talked to Joe Kirk, O.H. materials. Apparently 7 of his men
who were involved in the clean-up have obtained an attorney
and plan to bring suit against O.H. for exposure to chemicals,
5-28
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0900 Alec Little told Paul Traina and I that Secretary Mooney was
going to contract with a private company for disposal of ma-
terial removed from Stump Gap Creek. That EPA would not have
to act as the conduit for the transfer of funds. The removal
and disposal of these wastes would begin this weekend.
Mr. Little told me to advise Region VI that Ky. was going to
dispose of the hazardous waste in Texas near Robtown.
1030 I called Dick Peckham, EEB Region VI, and advised him of the
situation. He said information would be passed on to Mr.
Hartman, solid waste. He in turn would contact the state
agency. Stonebraker also told Jim Scarbrough and John Dicken-
son about Ky. plans.
1100 The U.S. Army 19th Eng. Bat. from Fort Knox had completed
their mission assignment. It is believed that drums are
buried in a trench 15' x 100' (depth unknown) on county prop-
erty about 1/2 mile downstream from Miss Benny's barn.
Mr. Traina wants U.S. Army to use detector at brickyard and
the Valley as soon as legal matters can be worked out. This
will require another request by EEB thru NRT.
Benson went home for weekend, but will return on Monday
1-22-79.
1400 I called Dick Peckham. He indicated that Mr. Hartman had con-
tacted Sam Fold of the Texas Water Quality Board. Evidently
Mr. Fold already knew about Ky. plans for disposing material
at Teco site in Rob Town, Texas. He didn't foresee any prob-
lems.
Information was relayed to Jack Wilson, Ky. DNR, by Stoney.
1500 Mr. Little called Stonebraker after a conversation with Secre-
tary Mooney. He said Ky. plans were moving along. However
5-29
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they may transport some of hazardous waste or all of it to
Teco's in Nevada. If they do we will have to contact Region
IX. They were undecided on whether to use the Texas site or
the Nevada site or both.
22 JANUARY 1979, MONDAY
1130 Called John White, EEB Region IX advised him of the possi-
bility that Ky. may transport waste to Nevada. He passed in-
formation to solid waste.
1200 Jim Stahler, Solid Waste Division Region IX, returned my call.
I explained the situation to him. Mr. Stahler said that NECO
had a good site in Nevada and could handle the hazardous waste
without much trouble. However, he would contact Laverne Rosse
of Nevada State Agency and advise him that hazardous waste may
be transported from Kentucky.
24 JANUARY 1979, WEDNESDAY
Benson and Scholer checked suspected site in Ekron, Kentucky -
Nieade Company. It is believed that Distler and others stored
drums and dumped waste material into a well at an old distil-
lery. They found that Derby Tank and Car Cleaning Service had
purchased the site several years ago. Apparently there was a
large pit at the site that had been used to dump industrial
waste. The state issued an order for the removal and disposal
of the waste in the pit. The company removed some of the
waste and covered it over with soil. They constructed a large
building over the pit with a cement floor. The building is
used to clean tank cars and tank trucks. At the time of our
5-30
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visit, they were cleaning out a tank car that contained
anhydrous ammonia. They just open the bottom valve on tank
car and allow wash water to drain out on floor.
Kentucky DNR pulled samples in July, 1976 from two private
wells and a catch basin. Samples were analyzed at S & A in
Athens. The results are in folder. The private wells were
contaminated. On January 12, 1979, we received a report from
the Forestry Service about drums being disposed of at a site
on Blue Lick Road near Shepardsville, Kentucky. Bob Sholer
said it was a permitted site owned by Smith. I told John
White about the site. He told us to check it out. This was
done by Benson and Bob Sholer this date.
Smith's Dump
1) Location - about 3 miles northwest of Shepardsville,
Kentucky on Blue Lick Road in Bullitt County.
2) Surface waters affected - unnamed tributaries to Blue Lick
Creek, Floyds Fork, Salt River.
3) Ownership - Smith is dead - children own site - they
employ an operator.
Smith has been operating on a 50-acre site for several years.
In 1973, they obtained permits from the State of Kentucky for
the disposal of hazardous waste. A large quantity of drums
containing hazardous substances are stored above and below
ground at this site. Several pits or trenches were also con-
structed at this site. Chemical waste was dumped into the
pits and covered over with soil. It is believed that D.
Distler utilized this site for the disposal of waste material.
The odor from the chemical waste stored at this site is stag-
gering. Smith's Dump could be as bad or worse than the "Val-
ley of the Drums."
5-31
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Benson also learned that drums of hazardous waste are stored
on a Farm in Brandenburg, Kentucky. Property is owned by Ken
Shelton. Bob Sholer is going to investigate this site.
I told Benson that we had received clearance from Jefferson
County attorney to use army personnel to detect for under-
ground drums on property adjacent to the "Valley of the
Drums." He is to contact Bob Howe (Forester) at (502)459-0440
(office), (502)448-5337 (home). He knows the land well and
can assist in locating he underground drums.
Jack Wilson said that NECO had up price for disposal to
$60,000-$100,000.
25 JANUARY 1979, THURSDAY
Informed John White, Paul Traina, Jim Scarbrough, Mike Carter
and Alec Little via memo about Smith's Dump and Derby Tank
Cleaning. Also NECO, Inc. had up price for disposal of drums
and sludge collected from Stump Gap Creek to $60,000-$100,000.
State is now negotiating with other disposal company.
1500 Alec Little called me to his office; had prepared news release
for sample analyses of 8 samples of liquid in 270 drums stored
on Miss Benny's property. John White was present. They
wanted me to contact Kentucky DNR to see if they had any prob-
lems with the release. I also told them about the memo re-
garding Smith's Dump, Derby Tank Cleaning and status of
Kentucky effort to dispose of drums.
John White told Alec to prepare a perk chart for EPA Region
IV's effort to define problem in Jefferson, Bullitt, and Meade
counties, Kentucky. He also requested all of S & A data on
sites done in 1977.
5-32
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1545 I called Jack Wilson and Jack McClure, Ky DNR, and read news
release to them. They didn't have any problems with the
release. They requested copies of news release and sample
analyses to be sent via magna fax.
I passed information to Alec Little. He told Dave Hopkins to
get with Humphrey to write up news release and magna fax to
Commissioner Roark.
1900 Talked to Benson. He learned of another site located in Tip
Top off highway 1020 north of the Valley of Drums. Apparently
drums of Ind. waste have been stored out in a field. He is
going to investigate on January 26, 1979. Benson will finish
his work on Friday and return to his duty station.
26 JANUARY 1979
1330 Mary McDonald, Pesticide Division in EPA Headquarters, Wash-
ington, D.C. She needed information to brief Congressman Gore
of Tennessee. She had been receiving information from RCRA in
EPA Headquarters. Her information about the valley and other
sites was totally wrong. I told her to get current informa-
tion from Ken Biglane. She didn't sound like she wanted to do
that.
I gave her some information and she called again. Apparently
Congressman Gore was upset because she had the wrong informa-
tion. Also he wanted to make a trip to Shepardsville, Ken-
tucky and visit sites. Ms. McDonald asked for a regional con-
tact. I told her John White, Alec Little, or Paul Traina.
I passed information on to Alec Little and Paul Traina.
5-33
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27 JANUARY 1979
Benson called after checking Smith's dump and Tip Top area.
He saw about 30 barrels out in field along hitchell Road.
Doesn't know who owns property. Needs helo to survey area.
He said Smith's dump is unreal. Disposal technique is to cut
a trench with a dozer, bring in drums, open bung, and throw
barrel into the trench. This has been going on since 1920s.
They haven't any idea what type of chemicals are received for
disposal. The creek and drainage ditches run all through the
50-acre site.
29 JANUARY 1979, MONDAY
0930 Lester Brown - House Oversight Committee (Commerce) called.
He wanted information about Valley of Drums. Plans to visit
Regional Office wants someone to show him the sites. State is
going to show him around on January 30, 1979.
1300 Ken Biglane called to tell us that Tom Jorling, Jack Lehman,
and Jim Smith would accompany him on a visit to see the "Val-
ley of the Drums." He requested that we get a helicopter for
the tour on January 31, 1979. They would arrive at Louisville
around 9 a.m. via P175. Return same day at 4:40 p.m. via
EA256.
I informed Alec Little and Jack Wilson about Mr. Jorling's
trip.
5-34
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1500 I called strike team and requested assistance for the tour.
Lt. Donahue and Ben Benson would meet me at Louisville Airport
1100, January 30, 1979.
30 JANUARY 1979, TUESDAY
0800 Ken Biglane called - said Mr. Jorling had an important meeting
and may have to postpone until Thursday, January 31, 1979.
Weather was supposed to be better.
1100 I met Donahue and Benson at airport. We checked National
Weather Service Bureau; they indicated that may have light
snow in morning, clearing in afternoon.
1400 We met with Ken Sutherland and Col. Pagel at Fort Knox. We
informed them of Mr. Jorling's trip and requested a helicop-
ter. It was granted. We picked up 4-wheel drive.
1700 Ken Biglane called and said Jorling could not make it until
Friday, February 2, 1979, because of a budget meeting. Called
Al Smith - informed him of Mr. Jorling postponing trip until
Friday. He told me to stay in Louisville and do some preven-
tion inspections. We cancelled helo until Friday.
31 JANUARY 1979, WEDNESDAY
0800 Benson, Donahue, and I visited MSO Louisville. We briefed
Commander Gregg about all of the suspected sites. Newco
started moving drums on farm to Ohio site.
5-35
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1130 Received a report from Fred Stroud, EPA, about spill in New-
castle, Kentucky, about 30 miles east of Louisville. Source
of spill was Inland Chemical Company; about 300 gallons of #2
and solvent were discharged into a creek. Spill called in by
Bob Persyn (502) 845-2453.
Inland Chemical Company
POB 404
New Castle, Kentucky 40050
Hugh Brink ley, Plant Manager
1400 Donahue made trip to D.C. Will return Thursday evening,
February 1, 1979. Benson and I arrived on scene. They had a
message for us to call Al Smith. Talked to Al - he said
Biglane wanted me to call him because the size of Jorling's
party had increased about 3 fold. He wanted to know if I
could get two helicopters from Fort Knox.
1430 I called Biglane. He informed me that a charter aircraft
would arrive at Louisville around 10:15 a.m. on February 2,
1979. Several people from EPA HQ, OMB, Justice, and reports
would be on aircraft to tour the valley and other sites. They
wanted to get firsthand knowledge about the problems around
West Point, Kentucky.
Benson and I investigated spill and found about 500 gallons of
oil and solvent on the north fork of Little Kentucky River.
Oil had been contained about 1/2 mile downstream with crude
booms. They were waiting on a vacuum truck to remove oil. We
review SPCC Plan, which wasn't very good. We found about
three feet of product inside dike wall which had leaked out
over hill. The cause of this spill—personnel error. They
were trying to remove product from a damaged storage tank with
a vacuum truck. They lost vacuum and about 500 gallons went
5-36
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down a hill to Little Ky. River. Plant is sloppy. Inland
Chemical reclaims solvents.
Two guys from DES and someone from Ky DNR arrived shortly
after we did.
1800 I got three calls in a row from news media about Jorling's
trip. They indicated that Hagan Thompson had called them
about the trip.
1830 I called Ben Eason and asked for his help. He would arrive in
Louisville about 1000, February 1, 1979.
2000 I called Biglane and he gave me the names of those who would
arrive Friday.
2100 Frank Redman, EPA, said he would be in Louisville on February
1, 1979 to help with the tour. I told him he could help but
Eason would take care of media. He agreed.
1 FEBRUARY 1979, THURSDAY
1000 Ben Eason and Rich Griggs PIA Team arrived and was briefed.
Several media types had already called. Eason said he would
handle and stay by phone with Benson, and I met with Ken
Sutherland at Fort Knox.
1115 Benson and I met with Mr. Sutherland and told him about the
increase in number of people. He called Col. Pagel and Col.
Eady. Together we made following arrangements:
(1) Three helicopters would pick us up at Butler Aviation at
Stanniford Airport;
5-37
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(2) We would fly party over all of the sites and land at flag
pole on Fort Knox;
(3) We could have lunch at Officer's Club (Dutch Treat);
(4) Travel in Army vehicles to valley, farm, and Smith's
Dump; return to airport.
1330 Talked to Ben Eason about when we should have News Conference.
He suggested at the farm around 1 p.m. or at the valley
later.
The schedule for Friday was planned:
1030 - Charter aircraft touch down.
1045 - Briefing by Stoney and Col. Eady.
1100 - Fly over sites
1200 - Touchdown at Flag Pole - Fort Knox.
1200 - Lunch Officer's Club.
1300 - Travel by Army vehicles - 25 passengers.
1315 - Arrive at farm.
1330 - News Conference.
1415 - Leave for Smith's Dump.
1500 - Arrive Smith's Dump.
1545 - Leave for "Valley of Drums" News Conference
1600 - Arrive at "Valley of Drums"
1645 - Leave for airport.
1715 - Arrive at airport.
1500 Biglane called about the passenger list:
1. Vance Hughes, Justice
2. Chuck Warren
3. Thomas Jorling, EPA, A.A.
4. Steffen Plehn, EPA, RCRA
5. Jim Smith, EPA, Jorling Assistant
6. Ken Biglane, EPA
7. Kathy O'Halloran, OMB
8. Curtis Moore
9. Phillip Cunnings
10. Rick Hornik, Time Magizine Correspondent
11. Margot Hornblower, Washington Post Correspondent
12. Joe Valenti, CDR, USCG
5-38
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Jack Wilson called and said Sec. Mooney would join us for
lunch.
1700 Frank Redman talked to Lester Brown.
2 FEBRUARY 1979, FRIDAY
0930 Donahue, Benson, Griggs, Redman, Eason, and Stoney arrived at
Butler Aviation.
1015 Col. Eady - flight Commander arrived with three helicopters.
1100 Charter aircraft from Washington arrived.
Note: We got word from Sen. Huddleston's office that he
wanted Bob McQueen of his office to join party.
1120 Helicopters lifted off. Passengers were as follows:
Helicopter #1
1. Ben Benson 5. Phillip Cummings
2. Frank Redman 6. Jim Smith
3. Chuck Warren 7. Curtis Moore
4. Bob McQueen
Helicopter #2
1. Jack Stonebraker 4. Joe Valenti
2. Tom Jorling 5. Kathy O'Halloran
3. Ken Biglane 6. Steffen Plehn
Helicopter #3
1. Ben Eason 5. Stewart Bowman
2. David Busse (Courier Journal)
(Camera Man, T.V.) 6. Mr. Righting
3. Margot Hornblower Jeff. Co. Solid Waste
4. Rich Hornik
5-39
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1215 Mr. Jorling met Col. Page! and Ken Sutherland at Flag Pole.
Mr. Sutherland informed us that five people from State Agency
were at Officer's Club. Their helicopter was also parked at
Flag Pole. It turned out to be Sec. Mooney, Jack McClure,
Frank Hulcher, Pilot, and ?. Mooney talked to Jorling.
1330 News Conference at farm. Several newspapers and all of local
TV stations were present. Cincinnati TV was also present.
Mr. Jorling did a good job during interview. Biglane also
interviewed by T.V.
1430 Arrived at Smith's Dump. The news media report were informed
earlier by EPA that Mr. Bray, Operator, would not allow them
on property.
Jorling, Smith, Biglane, O'Halloran, Hughes, Warren, Plehn,
Valenti, Benson, and Eason toured this site in back of 4-wheel
drive.
1600 Arrived at valley - more T.V. interviews. Biglane pointed to
eight drums (yellow color) he thought may have agent orange in
them.
1715 Arrived back at airport. Charter left shortly afterward.
1800 Lead item on all local T.V. stations.
20 FEBRUARY 1979, MONDAY
Conversation with Bob Sholar - KDNREP
(1) Anonymous caller, female, told Bob that "if you think
that Valley of Drums is bad, you should see Distler's
Farm in Battletown, Kentucky" (Meade Co.).
5-40
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(a) Sholar is going to Meade Co. Court House to locate
Distler's property and investigate.
(2) Tom Glover, Attorney Generals Office, has resigned.
Glover was under a lot of pressure for delaying legal
action against owners where drums were stored.
(3) KONREP has called five companies (Reliance Corp, Ford
Motor, P & G, etc.) in for hearing to see if they will
remove the waste material from the valley. Meeting sche-
duled for February 20, 1979. State still has a complaint
against Mrs. Taylor.
(4) Miss Bennie's property is still a mess. Her attorney
will contact EPA and state for damages. State is going
to "stonewall" on the removal of underground drums at
farm and on county site. They want EPA to remove them.
(5) S & A and Fred Wolfe took core samples at Brickyard last
week. Plan to move to "Valley of Drums" this week. Farm
site will be last. (Having troubles with landowners.)
(6) KDNREP was looking for scapegoat—selected Norm Schell--
asked him to resign. He agreed. Next day papers carried
an article stating that Schell had forwarded cases to
legal department without any further action. KDNREP
reconsidered Schell's resignation. Shift heads of air
programs and hazardous waste management.
(7) According to Sholar - KDNREP wants to keep things jumbled
up until after elections. In fact, instructions from
department heads are not to make "waves" until state
elections are held.
(8) News media still "hot" on disposal sites in this area.
5-41
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6. ANALYSES OF DRUM SAMPLES
6-1
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV, Athens, GA
DATE: January 26, 1979
SUBJECT: Analyses of Drum Samples - Distler Farm, Louisville, KY
Tom B. Bennett, Jr., Chief
Analytical Services Section
TO: Mike Carter, Chief
Water Surveillance Branch-
Attached are results of analyses on samples collected by Richard D.
Stoneb_o.K.er from the subject source and delivered to LSB by Doug Lair
on January 18, 1979. The samples were numbered 1-8, which corresponds
to SAD Nos. 79C0059-0066.
Following is a description of the attachments:
1. Results of Metals Analysis - Samples were scanned
using the Induced Plasma Spectrometer. Samples for
all metals analyses except titanium were prepared by
dry ashing at 450°C. Samples for titanium analyses
were prepared by digesting with sulfuric acid.
2. Results of Organic Analyses from Headspace Preparation -
A weighed portion of each sample was heated at 70°C for
thirty minutes, after which a sample of the headspace
was withdrawn from the vial and analyzed by Gas Chroma-
tography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Due to the nature
of sample preparation and analyses, only qualitative
analyses could be reported.
3. Results of Organic Analyses from Extracts - A weighed
portion of each sample was dissolved in methylene
chloride and the extract analyzed by GC/MS.
Some general notes of explanation are on the data sheets.
Toluene, which was identified in the headspace analyses, was present
in the highest concentration relative to the compounds reported on
Attachment II.
In general, the eight samples contained approximately the same compounds
in differing concentrations. The organic compounds present in the
highest concentrations are commonly used as solvents for paints and
resins.
KPA rOHM 1320-6 IREV. 3-76>
6-2
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The metals in most significant concentrations were lead, chromium,
zinc, copper, cadmium, and titanium.
Tom B. Bennett, Jr. /Cx
Enclosures
cc - Jack Stonebraker
Paul Traina
6-3
-------
ATTACHMENT T
PROJECT
Kcirm, I,oat_svilUj.,_KY
DATA REPORTING SHEET
CHEMIST WUl-liim II. McDnntel RECEIVED 1./18/79 (3 1430
S4A Division
Region IV
COMPLETED,
Drums
1
SAD
No.
79C
0059
0060
0061
0062
0063
0064
0065
0066
! CDUCE
AND
STATION
Sample
liottlii No.
1
2
3
A
5
6
7
(J
DATE
TIME
j
o
H-l
^ 00
uj ,-«;
UJ ~~-
f»4 CO
•c e
—
__
__
—
4.3
—
3.0
—
gM
M ^
tf --
-C 00
« 13
6.5
12.4
36.8
2.3
57 .9
103
148
76.7
g
f-* WJ
E: ^
3 «
o p
S.4
3.8
J.O
4. 1
2.6
5.7
32.7
15.7
H
< &n
CO ^
,J ^-,
O 00
0 0
)..!
3.0
5.6
2.1.8
7.5
3.9
'i.5
5.4
t
CHROMIUM..
Eg /kg
3.6
45.9
60.0
6.45
500
15.3
305
45
a:
UJ 60
C-. Ji
Cu ^-.
O t*
o a
90.0
HO.O
23.0
150.9
49
3.4
',...8
66.8
1
1
w
n
tfi to
',-> ^
fJ -^
O CO
7: c
0.5
—
2.8
1 .6
—
6.5
2.2
NICKEL
n-.g/kg
0.85
0.72
11.0
0.9
1.2
1.1
4.R
1.6
9^
(J W)
'-> a
34.8
121
348
53
3072
54
1823
330
ANTIMONY
mg/kg
_...
—
—
—
42.6
—
40.3
9.9
g
M
51 M
W ^
Ul BO
(/J Cj
_.-
--
2.2
—
g
KH
H
s'. 00
O ^
pi ---
t-t a<
in 11
—
—
—
—
2.8
--
9.6
4.8
§
n
'S. 00
^
hH C4)
t-< a
45.3
300
666
20.7
2485
38 . 3
4363
361
00
o ^
^ -^
l-l 00
M U
84. 5
104
1.22
104
145
7S.8
338
141
%
in
W t/i
o~--
iV,f
2.u
3.8
4.8
1.1
1.8
1.6
25.6
15.2
I
H W)
$z
n u
< 0
20
40
55
24
316
15.7
421
99.4
WJ
x^
O"~-
Ci3 WJ
1-1 t=
204
541
191
337
453
255
716
550
U)
w
w
55 o
o .»
11
1.7
3.9
4.5
3.2
4.3
3.8
12.7
9.8
00
^
S "oo
H C
23
L3.8
3.2
10.6
3.8
37.8
12.9
27.2
-------
PROJECT. JtstliM- Fain,. Lcmi-svllU^KY CHEMI ST.
D L" 111,la
DATA REPORTING SHEET
au'-""'-"y RECEIVED
ATTACHMENT II
1/18/79
S6A Divisior
IV
COMPLETED^
l/23/7'J
ORGANIC ANALYSTS, HEADSI'ACF.
SAD
.\'o .
0059
1 0060
006 J
0062
0063
006 1,
0065
0006
i
ECuRC'i
AN D
STATION
s/ Mi'i.i;
ilC iTl.K No.
1
V
i
A
5
6
7
a
DATE
TIME
CHLOROMETHANE*
+
H-
+
+
+
+
+
-
In i
:,lk>
, T1
1
+
+
+
-,-
+
^
-
-
dclic i
J typ
•5:0 c
KETHYLENE CHLORIDE*
H-
+
.,.
•H
+
+
+
•h
>n to
.' com
tmpou
IKIC1JLOROFLUOKO-
METiiAXE
+
+
+
H
-f
+
+
+
Che .-
.OU.UI:
ds ai
1,1. DIGKLOF-OEI-HYLEN-E*
^
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
ibove
til ill
u on
TRANS- 1,2, -D ICKLORO-
ET-KYLESE*
4-
+
+
•f
-
-
+
•t-
compt
wuri
NRDC
I
0
d
i — i
1 W
1-1 K
" H
.H W
+
-1-
•H
•H
+
+
+
-t-
und y
not
loll.sc1
TR1CHLOROETKY-LEXE *
•1-
-1-
+
-.-
+
*
+
+
there
Ul.nL
11 Dei
i , L, 2 TRICHLOROETliANE'
•1-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
were
fled.
r L' ( '
'
i \
O H
;L) H
f-1 T) L'
i--4 f^ ^.
IU f-
iN '.: t-
- W C
r - H U
.H W L
r
•1-
+
+
-1-
+
1
*
numei
1 ,.,.
TOLUENE *
•h
+
-1-
-1-
-1-
+
+
+
out:
w
W
fe
H
W
+
-t-
^•
+
+
+
+
+
METHYL ETHYL
KETONE
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
ACETONE
+
-
+
-
+
H-
+
+
TETRAKY.DV.OEURAX
+
H-
+
+
+
+
+
N-PROFYLACETATE
+
+
+
+
+
H-
+
+
XYLENE (2 isomers)
+
+
+
+
-1-
+
H-
+
CKLOROFORM*
-
-
-
-
+
-
-
-
|
j
|
1
I
-------
ATTACHMENT 3 - P;igo 1 of J
DATA REPORTING SHEET
PROJFC'I D'tstler Farm, Louisville, KY
CHEMIST E- "•
RECEIVED l/18/79
COMPLETED
Drums
ORGANIC ANALYSES, EXTKACTABI.E (All Concentrations areEstlmated)
SAD
NO.
79C
0059
0060
0061
0062
0063
0064
0065
0066^
STATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Blanks
— At ]
ND - Nor
* - On N
DATE
east six
e Detectt
KDC list
TIME
Dther un
J (Minimi
>t Priori
(2 isoner;
w
w
'-'• ??
>• 00
:< R
230,000
140,000
100,000
97,000
170,000
110,000
96,000
120,000
ND
dentif iec
ii Detect!
cy Pollut:
QROETHA;;E*
,j
w
U 00
^
W MJ
y. a
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
organic
in Limit
mts.
i
H
in
o
m
•j; *
O W 00
X W ~--
Ul l-l 00
MOB
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Ml)
ND
ND
ND
:ompoundb
,00 mg/kg
w
w
j
L
a:.*
X 0
1800
2200
3100
1600
4600
1200
2500
1200
ND
were fou
OROCYCLO-
EKE*
,-1 H
w q
u -s oo
-4; H .*
x x -^
iJl W 00
:ii Hi B
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
un
ND
id in sum
I
ORONOR-
ENE
|-J M
x a
<_) -3 00
< X .*
>< s -^
It] O 00
x 01 |3
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
>le 79C-0
OROCYCLO-
M u
a x
u w oo
< H ^
0 Ul 00
O (l< (3
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
66 at IOC
LORONOR-
p.; w
O 55
•4; w oo
H 25 -*
Pu W ^-»
(J O OO
ai m B
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0-5000 m;
OROBEKZENE
a
l_) 00
< ^
x -~
W «1
3i B
ND
Nil
ND
ND
ND
Nil
ND
ND
NF)
w
z
w
§ 00
3-
5s0
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
*
ai
u
< 00
H A!
&< ~--
U> 00
* B
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
rn
ND
«
z:
M OO
&* .^
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
«
y<
>-4
ai
3.2?
w ~^
l-l 00
D B
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
*
§#
§tf
1.1 S
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Ml;
cn
cr>
-------
Atr.;iclini(-nt 3 - l'.-ii;e 2 of 3
DATA REPORTING SHEET
SiA Division
Region IV
PROJECT DlstJer Farm, Loutsvll_lu. KY
CHEMIST,
K. U. Loy. .Ir,
RECEIVED.
1-18-79
COMPLETED,'1-26-79
SAD
No.
79C
^0059
•^0060
0061
0062
0063
0064
0065
0066
Blank
SOURCE
AND
STATION
.1.
-,
3
^
5
6
7
i
i
DATE
TIME
in
U
c
OJ
N
e
0)
M
rH
r-i
r"l ?°
u'Ts
15000
17000
28000
24000
14000
9900
22000
19000
4H
O
_0
3
3
4
3
3
3
4
4
--
TK
ND
T -
* .
C. Alkvl Benzenes
4 ,
Kg/kg
14000
9200
20000
unoo
26000
6400
12000
8700
ND
- Tr;
- Noi
To Ml
On ^
Xo. of Isoraers
6
4
4
4
5
5
4
4
—
cc.
u dtt
•itivi1
KDC I
H
to
01
G
V
N
c
n/
.71
3
?500
1000
'(100
1200
2200
920
2300
1300
ND
,cte,l
tdei'
Lsc o
No. of Isomers
4
i
2
2
3
1
4
2
_..
. (,1,
if ic.
' Pri.
Styrene mg/kg
800
20000
560
8100
1400
40000
420
11 000
Nl)
iniiiiii
t ton
rJ ty
C_ Alkvl Stvrer.es
me/kg '
860
670
4 100
560
2800
1400
840
1900
ND
Jl-tt-C
I'Q.l U
(0
O
g
o
to
'4H
0
o
3
3
2
1
3
2
3
2
—
I; Jon
ninLi;
01
01
rH
rH OD
CJ £:
JOO
TK
<100
TK
cl()0
160
TK
<100
TR
< ! 00
650
500
ND
limit
10
u
0
e
o
in
M
<4-«
O
_q
2
2
i.
2
2
2
2
2
—
100
CO
C 00
ot .-••'.
rH ~-~
(H OO
X F:
4J
D. 10
nj ^
•^, a
R
r-H O
f^ VI
•OJ CN
240
360
190
120
130
840
150
3 HO
ND
i.r./k,-
C Alkyl -Vaphthalenes
^S/kg
TK
•' i (in
430
TK
<100
140
TK
< 100
670
Nl)
140
ND
v<
0
,Q
3
2
1
2
1
2
—
3
—
0^ Alkyl Naphthalenes
rrrg/kg
TK
<100
520
ND
TK
<100
ND
390
Nl)
TK
'100
ND
^'o. of Isomers
2
3
—
1
—
2
—
4
—
Isophorone*
•"g/kg
2800
430
4300
4600
450
3100
2700
5400
ND
.Heptanone
1200
850
ND
1200
4200
1100
ND.
ND
ND
Xetnvl Octanone
-g/kg
1100(
89 Ot
17001
7801
390(
1000C
6501
300(
MI)
01
n
_n
u
m
rH 00
D 00
m e
300
J10
TK
<100
140
320
]60
uo
210
ND
OJ
c
"-' CO
'.< ^
.C of)
O K
r-1
U 1
U
j: o
1' C
OJ 11}
t: f
•rl 4J
><• QJ
t- r.
500
150
no
250
TK
< 1 00
TK
<100
Nl)
110
ND
10
•H
".
4J
.c:
i — i
4J 00
o) .=«:
E ~--
•H tkf)
n f=
TK
-------
PROJEC
Distlcr Farm," Louisville,'
DATA REPORTING SHEET
Jr. RECEIVED
1/18/79"
Region IV
COMPLETED"'' 1726/79
EXTRACTABLE ORGANIC ANALYSES (All Concentrations arc Estimated)
s.\r
,\'o.
7'JC
00 r. 9
SOURCE
AND
STATION
1
0060 1 2
0061
0062
0063
3
4
5
0064 | 6
0065 7
0066
8
Blanks
NO- None
T- Tental
••'< - On Kl
Ti - Tiai
DATE
Detected
Ive .Ident
UC list o
e .
TIME
(Mlnilmura
Lf ication
r Priorit
EL'TYL BENZYL PKTHAL-
ATE* ng/kg
210
520
300
440
290
Tr
<100
130
430
NO
')etec
y Pol
C? ou
ti] 00
K B
P J'l
' ^
5200
1500
y8o
1700
740
J,30
1100
2000
rr,ioo
tion
lutan
'
PROPENYL PKTHALATE"
rag/V.g
Tr
.100
ND
ND
630
ND
120
890
ND
ND
.i-nit
IE .
H
O
o
'-•5 to
\f, 00
PJ H
310
2100
820
600
1900
1300
1300
410
390
100 i
P.S?
CJ --^
O 00
H
SH
CJ Di
*"j C.L]
H
U C^
a {3
O UH
"t^ -t^
ti Jj-l
10 i-C
O (u
(^ Q
340
Tr
<100
Tr
<100
1100
'i'too
ND
NO
1700
ND
e/ke)
O OO
x ^tb
p-< P
1'r
400
110
Tr
<100
Ir
<100
<100
330
160
190
ND
p
w
a
n.
rJ
p*-i tio
gl?
ND
IT
<100
Cr
'.100
1'r
<100
NO
240
Tr
<100
•.50
s'D
01
u
o
M
o
„
1
1
1
-
1
I
2
-
1
w
n:
H 00
w ..*
M 00
a B
ND
<100
MO
Tr
<100
ND
Tr
<100
ND
540
ND
ETHYL HEXAKOIC ACID1
rag/kg
Tr
<100
Tr
<100
360
290
400
Tr
330
100
ND
oo
to
W E
WH
M W
^ Q
W M
^-i o
£G t^
H *J
M To
S W
140
ND
400
210
Tr
<100
180
ND
260
ND
ETHYL CUINOLINIUM
IODIDE1 (2 isomers)
mo/kp
ND
510
ND
140
ND
540
ND
2000
ND
) M
O
) -O 00
e ^
* ff
w
w w
gg
•Cii H
re :s,
Tr
<100
110
ND
<5oo
Tr
<100
140
ND
ND
ND
TRIMETKtL BLNZiNE
SULFONAHIDE1 ffig/kg
Tr
<100
ND
Tr
Ti-
<100
ND
220
ND
350
ND
DENSITY
g/nil
3.8449
).8764
1.8677
3.8714
1.0105
3.8491
3.9203
1.8662
--
1
1
-
—
------- |