EPA ID# NYD002044584 CLAREMONT POLYCHEMIC/ NEW YORK Site Description The Claremont Poly chemical site, situated on an approximately 9.5-acre site, is a former manufacturer of pigments for plastics and inks that operated from 1966 to 1980. During its operation, Claremont Poly chemical Corporation (Claremont) disposed of liquid wastes in three leaching basins and deposited solid wastes and treatment sludges in drums or in old, aboveground metal tanks. During a series of inspections in 1979, the Nassau County Department of Health (NCDH) found 2,000 to 3,000 drums containing inks, resins, and organic solvents throughout the site. Some of the drums were uncovered, while others reportedly were leaking. NCDH inspectors noted that an area east of the building was contaminated with organic solvents that resulted from spills and discharges. Claremont sorted and removed the drums from the site in 1980. A subsequent investigation by NCDH revealed most of the drums were gone, but an area of soil (referred to as the "spill area") was visibly contaminated with inks and solvents. As a result, Claremont was directed to install groundwater monitoring wells. When Claremont declared bankruptcy in 1980, ownership of the site and management of cleanup activities shifted to the New York Bankruptcy Court. In early part of 1997, the Court dismissed Claremont's bankruptcy petition; as a result, the ownership of the property has shifted back to Claremont Polychemical Corporation. The closest residences are located approximately '/S mile from the site. Approximately 47,000 people draw drinking water from wells located within 3 miles of the site. The nearest public water supply well is 3,500 feet northwest of the site. Site Responsibility: NPL LISTING HISTORY Proposed Date: 10/01/84 Final Date: 06/01/86 This site is being addressed through Federal actions. CLAREMONT POLYCHEMICAL 1 April 2002 ------- m Threats and Contaminants Shallow groundwater is contaminated with organic compounds in excess of federal and/or New York State Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). These organic compounds include: tetrachloroethene (PCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethene, trichloroethene, 1,1,1- trichloroethane, ethylbenzene, acetone, benzene, 1,1-dichloroethane, methylene chloride, xylenes and vinyl chloride. Heavy metals detected in excess of federal and state standards include: arsenic, chromium, and lead. Should the contaminants move into the public drinking water, residents could be exposed to contaminants by drinking affected water or inhaling the volatile compounds present in the water. The nearest public drinking water supply well is tested on a routine basis to ensure compliance with State and federal drinking water standards. Currently, the site is fenced and access is restricted to EPA-authorized personnel. Cleanup Approach This site is being addressed in three stages: immediate actions and two long-term remedial phases focusing on the removal and disposal of hazardous materials and on-site soil and groundwater cleanup. Response Action Status Immediate Actions: In 1989 and 1990, the EPA removed 13,000 gallons of hazardous liquid wastes contained in drums, aboveground tanks, basins, etc. The waste materials were tested for compatibility, consolidated and transported to an off-site treatment, storage and disposal facility. In addition, in 1991 fifteen underground storage tanks were removed and their contents transported off-site for treatment/disposal. Soil and Groundwater Contamination: In 1990, the EPA completed an investigation into the nature and extent of soil and groundwater contamination. The remedy selected in a September 1990 Record of Decision (ROD) includes: excavation and treatment of contaminated soil by low heat to enhance the volatilization of the contaminants, and deposition of the treated soil in the excavated areas; decontamination of the on-site building by vacuuming and dusting the contaminated surfaces and by removing the asbestos insulation; and extraction and treatment of the groundwater by air stripping and carbon adsorption and then reinjection of the treated water into the ground. The soil excavation/treatment work began in the Fall of 1996 and was completed in March of 1997. Approximately 8,762 tons of contaminated soils were remediated. The building decontamination work began in the Summer of 1997 and was substantially completed in December 1997. Approximately 32 tons of mixed debris, 2,600 linear ft. of asbestos materials and 86 tons of asbestos tank coatings were removed from the building. However, during the decontamination effort, subsequent sampling of a hole discovered in the floor slab led to the detection of a new source of contaminated soil beneath the building. EPA is currently evaluating alternatives to address this contaminated soil. IS CLAREMONT POLYCHEMICAL 2 April 2002 ------- The groundwater portion of the remedy is being implemented in two phases. For the first phase, extraction wells were installed at the property boundary to capture the most contaminated groundwater. The construction of this on-site groundwater treatment system began in May 1997 and full-scale operation began in February 2000. The second phase (off-site groundwater remediation) is being addressed under the terms of a Financial Assistance Agreement between EPA and NYSDEC. An ongoing groundwater remediation program at the Old Bethpage Landfill Site, which is nearby the Claremont Poly chemical Site, is capturing significant levels of contaminants from this off-site plume. It is anticipated that remediation of this plume will be addressed through the Financial Assistance Agreement by integrating the remedy for the Claremont off-site plume into the Old Bethpage treatment system. This approach could save Superfund resources while optimizing the use of the Old Bethpage treatment system. The immediate removal and disposal of 13,000 gallons of hazardous liquid wastes contained in 700 drums; the construction of a security fence; the removal of 32 tons of mixed debris, 2,600 linear ft. of asbestos materials and 86 tons of asbestos tank coatings from the building; the excavation and off-site disposal of 15 underground storage tanks; the treatment of 8,762 tons of contaminated soils; the decontamination of the building's interior structure; and the continuous extraction and treatment of the on-site groundwater plume have greatly reduced the potential for exposure to hazardous materials at the Claremont Poly chemical site. Cleanup Progress CLAREMONT POLYCHEMICAL 3 April 2002 ------- |