EPA Region 8 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter
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Volume XII No. 2 Second Quarter 2022 Newsletter
Welcome to the EPA Region 8 Preparedness Newsletter.
Feel free to page through the entire newsletter or click on the links
to the stories you want to read first.
OSC Response-
San Haven Asbestos Site
New CSB Safety
Video
TRI Announcements
EPA CO Abandoned
Mining Collaboration
CAMEO Update
BNSF Transportation
Resources
CISA Updates-
ChemLock
CWA Hazardous
Substance WCD Planning
Regulations Extension
Training
Opportunities
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness and
Prevention Documents
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Page 2
OSC Response- San Haven Asbestos Site
Federal On Scene Coordinators (OSCs) may face any number of hazards during their work on a
field action. Physical, chemical, and even biological hazards are typical and expected.
Occasionally, however, an OSC might encounter unexpected hazards, maybe even those of a
supernatural origin. Such is the case with the San Haven Sanitarium site.
The San Haven Sanitarium was originally
built in 1909 near Dunseith, ND at the foot
of the Turtle Mountains for the treatment
and care for individuals who had contracted
tuberculosis. The medical complex quickly
grew to include several buildings sitting on
a 14-acre site. The main building was an
imposing four-story structure.
Tuberculosis was first identified as a
contagious pathogen in the late 1800s, and
at the time, tuberculosis was killing about
one out of every seven people living in the
United States and Europe, according to the
Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Starting in 1875, the U.S. started building
sanitariums across the country to move those suffering from tuberculosis out of their homes to
prevent the spread of the disease to their families.
San Haven's buildings were solely used for tuberculosis patients up until the 1950s. With the
advent of antibiotics, the need for such facilities quickly declined. The buildings had been
repurposed several times over the years, serving as housing for the developmentally disabled,
the State Hospital, and even a sewing factory. The complex was eventually closed in 1987 and
by 1989 the facility was abandoned by the state officials. The land and buildings were
purchased in 1992 by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa people.
It has been reported that during the decades of operation, over a thousand people may have died
and been buried on and around the grounds, and due in part to the foreboding structure of the
main building, it has long been rumored as a haunted site and has drawn tourists specifically for
this reason. Trespassers regularly entered the San Haven property to explore or scavenge
building materials, or to hunt for ghosts. There are websites which describe the reported
haunting at the location. Structural beams in the buildings have been removed by scavengers,
causing floors to collapse, and affecting the structural integrity of the upper levels. A teenager
died from a fall down an elevator shaft while exploring the main hospital in 2001 and others
have been injured while accessing the Site. The Tribe has attempted to block access roads, but
these efforts have been largely ineffective due to the large size of the property and its easy
access from a major highway.
The Tribe requested assistance from EPA Region 8's Response Section and Tribal officials
wrote an e-mail to EPA Region 8 on December 2, 2020, requesting an EPA cleanup at the
property, specifically Building #9, the most damaged building in the complex. The request
stated that the Tribe's limited resources are not sufficient to address the environmental
exposures posed by Building #9.
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Page 3
OSC Response-San Haven Asbestos Site
EPA had conducted a removal action in 2001 at seven of the buildings in the San Haven
complex, including Building #9, for abatement of friable asbestos. The removal action
removed deteriorated friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM), addressing the threat that
existed at the time. The OSC's initial/final pollution report noted that the 2001 removal action
was an interim removal action and that "Asbestos materials may remain on-site that are not in
a deteriorated/time-critical removal mode at this time." Building #9 is the most severely
damaged structure in the complex and is partially collapsed. All remaining buildings at the
complex are in a state of severe disrepair due to vandalism, scavengers who have removed
building materials, and weathering.
The EPA Region 8 Brownfields Program conducted a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
(ESA) at the former medical complex in 2020 and determined that friable ACMs were present
in Building #9 and several other buildings in the complex. This ESA also found numerous
building materials in Building #9 containing ACM including asphalt roofing material and
sealants, window glazing and exterior plaster, floor tiles and/or mastic throughout,
underlayment on the 4th floor, black cove base throughout, vermiculite insulation in the attic,
and air cell pipe insulation debris. Samples of building materials showed concentrations of
chrysotile asbestos ranging from three percent to 75 percent. The vermiculite insulation may
have been obtained from the former Robinson Insulation vermiculite exfoliation plant in
nearby Minot, North Dakota (addressed in an EPA removal action in 2002) and would
therefore contain tremolite-actinolite asbestos.
EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) J. Ackerman
determined that Building #9 posed a direct threat to
public health and welfare because friable ACMs are
present in the heavily vandalized, partially collapsed
building and are being released into the environment
due to missing walls and windows. Asbestos fibers
pose an inhalation threat to persons accessing the
Site. Weather events including wind, rain and snow as
well as damage caused by scavengers or vandalism
will continue to degrade the Site. There is potential
for human exposure to Site-related asbestos in the
surrounding San Haven area from releases of asbestos into the environment and to anyone who
accesses the building or immediate surroundings. Human exposure to these airborne asbestos
fibers via inhalation has been proven to cause asbestosis, cancer, mesothelioma, and other
respiratory diseases.
EPA mobilized to the Site with the ERRS contractor on September 23, 2021. Over the course
of two weeks, the partially collapsed structure was demolished and all debris disposed. Soils
were scraped around the former footprint of the building and perimeter where ACM may have
been present from Building #9. All cleanup work on ACM and potentially contaminated soils
was conducted using adequately wet methods to prevent the migration of asbestos fibers.
Approximately 1,865 cubic yards of debris and potentially contaminated soils were disposed as
ACM at a landfill permitted to accept friable asbestos (Sawyer Landfill).
During her work on the project, thankfully OSC Ackerman reported no encounters of a
paranormal nature. She did say she looks forward to working with the Tribe in additional
cleanup at the complex, with or without the assistance of the Ghostbusters!
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Page 4
CERCLA List Update
CERCLA List of Hazardous Substances Update
The CERCLA List of hazardous substances has been updated to add the Clean Air Act (CAA)
HAP 1-Bromopropane, remove five vacated Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
K-code wastes, and various other technical edits.
These changes can be viewed in the updated Consolidated List of Lists.
New CSB Safety Video
CSB Releases New Safety Video Incompatible Chemicals: Explosion at AB Specialty
Silicones
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a new safety video on its investigation into a
massive explosion and fire that occurred in May of 2019 at the AB Specialty Silicones facility in
Waukegan, IL. The incident killed four workers, destroyed the facility, and caused extensive
damage to nearby businesses.
At AB Specialty Silicones, two incompatible chemicals were mixed during production of an
emulsion product. The chemicals reacted and produced flammable hydrogen gas that ignited,
causing the fatal explosion.
The CSB's core mission activities include conducting incident investigations; formulating
preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for
their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations
arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards. Access the
CSB's Investigation Information Page here.
CAMEO Release
CAMEO Chemicals 2.8.0 software update
released.
Available as a website, mobile website, desktop
program, and an app for iOS and Android mobile
devices.
For more details, see the CAMEO Chemicals
2.8.0 page on the NOAA website.
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Page 5
State Field Changes for Tier2 Submit
The Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Suite development team
is soliciting for any requested Tier2 Submit "State Field" changes for the reporting year 2022. State
field requests will also be incorporated into CAMEO Data Manager. If your state or territory will
be using Tier2 Submit in any capacity, please have the EPCRA Tier II Program Manager or their
representative e-mail the NOAA CAMEO Program Manager (Brianne.Connollv@noaa.gov) to re-
quest updates no later than July 1, 2022.
There is often a beta version of Tier2 Submit available each fall, where states and territories that
use Tier2 Submit can ensure the new version works well for their filers. Last year's beta testers will
be invited again as testers automatically, as will any EPCRA Tier II Program Manager who re-
quests "State Field" changes for report year 2022. Additionally, you can email Bri-
anne.Connolly@noaa.gov if you'd like to be added to the beta tester list.
CISA Updates
CISA ChemLock
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new chemical securi-
ty program, ChemLock. ChemLock is a completely voluntary program that provides facilities with
services and tools to help them improve their chemical security posture.
Based on expertise acquired from more than a decade of helping high-risk CFATS facilities en-
hance their chemical security, the ChemLock program is open to all facilities with dangerous
chemicals, regardless of sector. Facilities covered by CFATS can also participate in the ChemLock
program. ChemLock's current offerings include:
• On-site chemical security assessments and assistance
• ChemLock fact sheets, best practices, and guidance documents
• Chemical security exercises and drills
• Chemical security training courses
• Other CISA security services, including an introduction to the Cyber Security Eval-
uation Tool (CSET) and active shooter preparedness training.
Facilities interested in receiving any of these ChemLock services can register
through cisa. gov/cheml ock. and a representative from CISA will be in touch with you.
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Operational Updates
To date, CISA has received over 104,000 Top-Screen submissions from over 44,000 unique facili-
ties. Of these, CFATS covers 3,266 facilities.
Additionally, the program has completed 4,537 Authorization Inspections, 9,093 Compliance In-
spections, and 9,925 Compliance Assistance Visits.
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Page 6
CWA Hazardous Substance Planning Regulations
EPA Proposes Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Worst Case Discharge Planning
Regulations - Comment Period Extended
On March 10, 2022, EPA Administrator Michael Regan signed a proposed rule to require cer-
tain facilities to develop facility response plans for a worst case discharge of Clean Water Act
(CWA) hazardous substances, or threat of such a discharge.
EPA has extended the public comment on the proposed rule until July 26, 2022. Comments can
be submitted at www.regulations.gov (Docket No.: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2021-0585).
TRI Updates
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Webpage Update
A new webpage explains how EPA tracks green chemistry and engineering practices through
the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), and how facilities and others can access the da-
ta www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/tri-green-chemistry-and-green-
engi neeri ng-reporti ng
Recorded TRI Training Sessions
In preparation for the July 1 TRI reporting deadline for the submission of 2021 toxic chemical
management data, EPA hosted the following two webinars:
Using TRI-MEweb to Submit TRI Data, May 12: A live walkthrough of creating, validating, cer-
tifying, and submitting a Form R chemical reporting form using the TRI-MEweb software.
TRI Resources for Facilities, May 17: An overview of available TRI resources to assist facilities
in submitting high-quality TRI data to EPA. Participants learned how to easily access reporting
resources from the TRI website, including the TRI Threshold Screening Tool, regulatory guid-
ance available through the "GuideME" app,
details on who to contact for reporting ques-
tions.
Both webinar recordings will be available via
YouTube soon. In the meantime, please email
Swenson. Sarah@epa. gov for a copy.
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Page 7
CO Abandoned Mining Collaboration Group
An Innovative Partnership to Address Impacts from Colorado Legacy Mining:
The Colorado Abandoned Mine Collaboration Group
The Site Assessment Team within Region 8's Superfund and Emergency Management Division
has been leading the Colorado Abandoned Mine Collaboration Group which provides a forum
for Federal, State, and local governments, non-profit organizations, and landowners to share
expertise and pool resources (financial, staffing, expertise, technologies, etc.). This forum has
resulted in the assessment and clean-up of abandoned mines that are adversely impacting
Colorado lands and waters. Established in 2007, the group has successfully competed
assessments and cleanup actions in 40 watersheds in Colorado.
The stakeholders who participate in any given project vary depending on location and interest.
For a project, all stakeholders participate as equals and actively contribute. Federal and State
agencies involved in this collaboration include: US Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife
Service, the US Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the US Bureau of Land
Management, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Colorado
Department of Natural Resources, the Colorado Geologic Survey, Colorado Department of
Wildlife, and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Local participants include county and
city government agencies, Trout Unlimited, and local watershed groups.
Historically, mining in Colorado has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the state and
its economic development. Unfortunately, legacy mining has left denuded landscapes and
contaminated rivers and streams across the state. Although estimates vary, thousands of
abandoned mines are located throughout the state. Many of these abandoned mines are
releasing metals and acidity to the surface water which is impacting aquatic life and riparian
areas in over 1,500 miles of streams and rivers in Colorado. These sites were mined and
abandoned prior to enactment of environmental regulations. Thus, there is limited regulatory
authority and funding to address the environmental impacts from historic mining.
Differing and complex regulatory authorities and issues such as mixed federal and private
ownership of mining impacted lands has fragmented regulatory responsibilities, impeding the
ability of a single State or Federal Agency to implement comprehensive environmental
assessments and clean-ups. Furthermore, environmental liability concerns have prevented
volunteers from taking action to manage contaminate releases from historic mines.
By pooling resources and working together,
this group has cooperatively identified and
prioritized abandoned mine sites observed to
exhibit high potential to impact human and
ecological health. The contribution of
technical and scientific skills combined with
expertise in addressing governmental
regulations and requirements has resulted in
active assessment and cleanups of watersheds
impacted by historic mining across the state
of Colorado. This collaboration has resulted
in a model which encourages involvement of
multiple local stakeholders with regulatory
agencies.
Pennsylvania Mine (before)
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Paqe 8
CO Abandoned Mining Collaboration Group, contd.
EPA Region 8 Site Assessment has led the Colorado Mixed Ownership (MO) group to
coordinate/spearhead collaboration with partners to identify sites needing additional/assessment
and coordinates with respective partners. EPA provides this project management support in
addition to providing analytical services, data compilation and reporting, and clean-up action
technical support, which frees funding for other entities to use toward clean ups.
This group has effectively, efficiently,
collaboratively, and cooperatively completed
assessments of watersheds impacted by
historic mining, prioritized cleanup actions,
encouraged, and supported Good Samaritan
mine reclamation projects, provided
opportunities for stream restoration,
completed cleanup actions, engaged multiple
stakeholder involvement, and encouraged the
use of sound science and engineering
principles. This group is currently reaching
out to other states including Montana, South
Dakota, and Idaho, as well as EPA Region 10
to share information about how this group
was established, it's foundation, partnerships,
collaboration efforts, elements of success,
and components of Good Samaritan project
development.
If you are interested in learning more about this collaboration group, please contact Jean Wyatt
at wvatt.iean@epa.gov or (303) 808-2045.
Pennsylvania Mine (after)
BNSF Resources
BNSF Hazmat offers both in-person classes (minimum class size of 20 responders) and web-
based training for individuals and groups. We hope your department will utilize one of these
options in the future. Learn more about the training and how to register here.
Another tool for emergency responders and managers is the
AskRail app. This app provides responders at no cost with
immediate access to accurate, timely data about what type of
hazardous materials a railcar is carrying so they can make an
informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency.
Get more information about the AskRail app here
BNSF also provides hazardous materials traffic flow reports to fire departments and emergency
managers. These reports provide a listing of the hazardous materials that BNSF transported
through a City or County over the last 12 months. You can request a hazardous materials traffic
flow report here.
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Page 9
Training Opportunities
2022 Schedule for the CAMEO for Facility Hazard Analysis Class
There will be one additional session in 2022:
Session 3: Oct. 19 - Nov. 16 (Webinars on Wednesdays)
Zoom sessions/webinars begin at: 8 am PDT/9 am MDT/10 am CDT/11 am EDT
The CAMEO for Facility Hazard Analysis Class is a mix of self-paced online classroom lessons
and scheduled live webinars. The class operates on an online class platform (Ruzuku) and
consists of weekly hands-on lessons and activities, "how to" videos and Q & A Zoom sessions
with two experienced instructors. This class is a month long and starts with a one-hour,
introductory webinar on the first day of class to introduce the instructors and to explain the class
logistics. Students will receive new lessons in the online class platform each week and will have
a week to complete them, on their schedule, before attending a webinar to reinforce the lesson,
ask questions and share their screens with their class colleagues. Each lesson includes a video
tutorial and activities to complete before the webinar.
If you would like to register for one of the Class Sessions in
2022, please fill out the registration form.
If you have questions about the class or need more information,
please contact Carol Way.
Overview of SPCC and EPCRA Webinar for Tribal
Partners
This EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the
prevention and preparedness programs for oil spills under
SPCC and chemical emergencies under EPCRA. The objective is to provide attendees with a
general awareness of the SPCC and EPCRA programs and their associated regulatory
requirements. The session will also include a question and answer segment where participants
will be able to interact with the SPCC and EPCRA national program managers.
Participants should only register for one of the offerings below, as all sessions will cover the
same material.
June 30, 2022, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT, Register here
September 22, 2022, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT, Register here
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EPA Covid Resources
Page 9
EPA is updating its coronavirus website to include new resources for state, local, and tribal
agencies and intergovernmental associations. These resources will help EPA and its partners
continue to provide the environmental protection the nation depends on without interruption
during the coronavirus public health emergency.
EPA's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for State, Local, and Tribal Agencies and Associa-
tions contain important information on grants, enforcement and compliance programs, water
infrastructure, and a host of other issues important to effective environmental program delivery.
The webpage will be updated regularly with new information.
EPA is also continuing to update resources on its website and add to the list of surface disin-
fectant products that are effective against SARS-CoV-2. To contact EPA about any coronavirus
(COVID-19) issue, you may do so here: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/forms/contact-us-
about-coronavirus-covid-19.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness and
Prevention Documents
EPCRA Requirements: http://www.epa.gov/epcra
NRT Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guidance:
https://www.nrt. org/Main/Resources.aspx?ResourceType=Hazards%20('Oil%20Chemic
al.%20 Radi ol ogi cal ,%20etc )& ResourceSecti on=2
Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security - A Shared Commitment:
https://www.osha.gov/chemicalexecutiveorder/index.html
EPCRA On-Line Training: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/epcra-non-section-313-online-
training-states-tribes-lepcs-local-planners-and-responders
EPCRA Fact Sheets: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/epcra-fact-sheets
EPCRA Regional Contacts: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/epcra-regional-contacts
EPCRA, RMP & Oil Information Center: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/forms/contact-us-
about-emergencv-planning-and-communitv-right-know-act-epcra
TIER2 Submit: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/tier2-submit-software
LEPC/TEPC Handbook: https://www.epa.gOv/epcra/national-lepc-tepc-handbook#full
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Page 10
EPA Region 8 Preparedness Program
We will increase EPA Region 8 preparedness through:
• Planning, training, and developing outreach relations with federal agencies, states, tribes, local OUR
organizations, and the regulated community. MISSIC
• Assisting in the development of EPA Region 8 preparedness planning and response capabilities
through the RSC, IMT, RRT, OPA, and RMP.
• Working with facilities to reduce accidents and spills through education, inspections, and enforcement.
To contact a member of our Region 8 EPA Preparedness Unit team, review our programs or view our
organization chart, click this link.
Region 8 SERC Contact Information
Colorado
Montana
Utah
Ms. Amanda Hettinger, Co-Chair
Ms. Delila Bruno, Co-Chair
Ms. Kim Shelley , Co-Chair
Phone: 303-692-2000
Phone: 406-324-4777
Phone: 801-536-4404
amanda.hettinger@state.co.us
dbruno@mt.gov
kshelley@utah.gov
Mr. Mike Willis, Co-Chair
Mr. John Rasmann, Co-Chair
Mr. Jess Anderson Co-Chair
Phone: 720-852-6694
Phone: 406-444-5328
Phone: 801-965-4062
mike.willis@state.co.us
jrasmann2@mt.gov
jessanderson@utah.gov
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming
Mr. Darin Hanson, Chair
Mr. Dustin Willett, Chair
Mr. Dale Heggem, Chair
Phone: 701-328-8100
Phone: 800-433-2288
Phone: 307-777-7321
nddes@nd.gov
Contact: Kelsey.Newling@state.sd.us
dale.heggem@wyo.gov
RMP Region 8 Reading Room: (303) 312-6345
RMP Reporting Center: The Reporting Center can answer questions about software or installation
problems. The RMP Reporting Center is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday - Fri-
day:(703) 227-7650 or email RMPRC@epacdx.net.
RMP: https://www.epa.gov/rmp EPCRA: https://www.epa.gov/epcra
Emergency Response: https://www.epa.gov/emergencv-response
Lists Of Lists (Updated April 2022)
Questions? Call the Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Information Center at (800) 424-9346 (Monday-
Thursday).
To report an oil or chemical spill, call the National Response
Center at (800) 424-8802.
U.S. EPA Region 8
1595 Wynkoop Street (8SEM-EM)
Denver, CO 80202-1129
800-227-8917
This newsletter provides information on the EPA Risk Management Program, EPCRA, SPCC/FRP (Facility Response Plan) ami other issues relating
to Accidental Release Prevention Requirements. The information should be used as a reference tool, not as a definitive source of compliance
information. Compliance regulations are published in 40 CFR Part 68 for CAA section 112(r) Risk Management Program, 40 CFR Part 355/3 70for
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