•

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SUMMARY REPORT 

FOR THE REMOVAL ACTION AT THE 

METALES Y DERIVADOS SITE 

TIJUANA, MEXICO 

UNITED STATES 

ENTAL PROTECTIO

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

Contract Number 68-W-02-021 

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RCRA Enforcement, Permitting, 

Zone III

REGION 

9 

REGION 

7 

REGION 

8 

REGION 

10 

and Assistance Contract 

 Printed on Recycled Paper																																																																																																																TETRA TECH EM INC.
RCRA ENFORCEMENT, PERMITTING, 

AND ASSISTANCE CONTRACT 

REGION 9 

SUMMARY REPORT 

FOR THE REMOVAL ACTION AT THE 

METALES Y DERIVADOS SITE, TIJUANA, MEXICO 

Prepared for 

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

Emily Pimentel, Work Assignment Manager 

EPA Region 9 

San Francisco, California 

Contract No. 68-W-02-021 

Solicitation No. PR-HQ-00-11879 

Prepared by 

TETRA TECH EM INC. 

1230 Columbia Street, Suite 1000 

San Diego, CA 92123 

(619) 525-7188 

September 20, 2004 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1.0 Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 Site Background and Waste Characteristics ....................................................................................... 1

3.0 Objectives of the Removal Action ...................................................................................................... 2

4.0 Accomplishments of the Removal Action ........................................................................................... 3

4.1 Pre-Removal Activities ....................................................................................................... 3

4.2 Removal Action Description............................................................................................... 3

4.3 Wastes Removed under the SEMARNAT Contract ........................................................... 4

4.4 Wastes Removed under the EPA Contract ......................................................................... 5

4.5 Additional Work Performed at the Site after the Completion of EPA’s Work................... 8

5.0 Recommendations for Further Cleanup ............................................................................................... 8

6.0 References.......................................................................................................................................... 10

TABLES 

Table 1 Waste Removal Activities To Date 

Table 2 Unit Costs from RIMSA 

FIGURES 

Figure 1 Site Features Before Removal Action 

Figure 2 Site Features After Removal Action 

Figure 3 Current Site Features 

APPENDICES 

Appendix A SEMARNAT Waste Characterization Data 

Appendix B Convenio del 24 de Junio 2004 

Appendix C Final Field Work Plan (includes RIMSA’s Final Field Work Plan as an 

attachment) 

Appendix D Photographic Log 

Appendix E Daily Subcontractor Reports 

Appendix F Hazardous Waste Manifests and Other Related Documents 
1.0 INTRODUCTION 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with its Border 2012 Program 

partnerships, is working to meet Goal 3 of the Program, which is to reduce land contamination in the U.S.-

Mexico border region. Objective 4 under Goal 3 is to develop a binational policy of cleanup and restoration 

resulting in the productive use of abandoned sites contaminated with hazardous waste and to apply the policy 

at least once in each of the four geographic regions. 

Tetra Tech EM Inc. (Tetra Tech) was contracted by EPA Region 9 under Contract No. 68-W-02-021, Work 

Assignment Number R09114, to perform a removal action at the Metales y Derivados (Metales) site in 

Tijuana, Mexico. The removal action was completed in the summer of 2004 and contributes towards 

meeting Objective 4 of Goal 3 under the Border 2012 Program. This report summarizes the site background, 

the objectives and accomplishments of the removal action, and the recommendations for future site actions. 

2.0 SITE BACKGROUND AND WASTE CHARACTERISTICS 

The Metales site is the location of an abandoned secondary lead smelter and recycling facility in Tijuana, 

Mexico. This facility was active from 1986 to 1994, and remnants of the lead smelter remain on the site. 

Figure 1 shows the location of the site and the site features prior to the removal action. Materials previously 

brought to the site for refining included lead-contaminated soils, telephone cable sheathing, lead oxide, used 

industrial and automotive batteries, lead scrap, and sludge and dust collected in bag-type dust collectors. 

The site accumulated several thousand cubic meters of process waste while the lead smelter was active. 

Most of the waste material appears to be slag, baghouse dust, or similar refinery processing residue from the 

lead smelting process. Inspection of the exposed waste material at the site indicates that much of it is friable 

and releases fine particulates if disturbed. Estimates of the total amount of process waste located in different 

areas throughout the site prior to the removal action range from 7,000 to 15,000 tons. Characterization of the 

various process wastes on site was conducted by the Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources 

(SEMARNAT) in 1999 (Commission for Environmental Cooperation of North America [CEC] 2002). A 

majority of the waste was characterized as hazardous because the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure 

(TCLP) lead concentration was greater than 5 milligrams per liter (mg/L), the regulatory threshold for 

identification of wastes as hazardous under both U.S. and Mexican environmental regulations. 

In June 2004, additional site characterization was performed by SEMARNAT (SEMARNAT 2004b). 

Twenty nine samples were collected from the Metales site and the TCLP extract was analyzed for arsenic, 

cadmium, nickel, lead, selenium, silver, barium, and mercury. SEMARNAT provided Tetra Tech with the 

Page 1 Summary Report 
sample results for 22 of the 29 samples collected (Appendix A). Of the 22 sample results, the TCLP lead 

concentration exceeded the regulatory threshold for identification of the waste as hazardous at all locations 

except one, and the TCLP arsenic and cadmium concentrations exceeded the regulatory threshold at one 

location. The TCLP regulatory threshold was not exceeded at any location for nickel, selenium, silver, 

barium, or mercury. All waste removed during this removal action was considered hazardous waste 

according to both U.S. regulations (characteristic hazardous waste D008) and Mexican regulations. 

On June 24, 2004, a ceremonial event was held in Tijuana, Mexico, during which Mexican federal, state, and 

municipal government agencies signed a coordination agreement defining their authority and commitment to 

work together to clean up and eliminate risks associated with the Metales site (Appendix B). The agreement 

established a four-phase remediation program, identified initial funding that would be made available to 

begin work at the site, and recognized the existence of a Metales work group that will provide leadership 

during the cleanup process. During the event, SEMARNAT announced their intention to sign an agreement 

to involve representatives of the local community in the cleanup process. 

3.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE REMOVAL ACTION 

Process wastes remaining at the Metales site pose an immediate and continuing risk to workers and residents 

surrounding the Metales site. Lead is the primary contaminant of concern at the site, and the main route of 

potential exposure is inhalation of wind-blown particulates. Under the scope of work for the contract with 

EPA, Tetra Tech was tasked with developing a plan to reduce public health and environmental risks at the 

site. As a first step in fulfilling this task, Tetra Tech prepared a technical memorandum that provided a 

recommendation for a removal action and that set the priorities for removal of the various process wastes 

remaining on site (Tetra Tech 2004). 

The main objective of the removal action was to reduce, to the extent practical, the immediate and primary 

health risks associated with the process wastes remaining on the site. This included removing wastes from 

targeted areas and consolidating and confining other wastes to a smaller portion of the property. This 

objective was accomplished by (1) focusing the waste removal efforts on those wastes considered a high 

priority for removal in the technical memorandum and (2) consolidating any remaining debris on the west 

side of the site into one location. Another objective was to increase the institutional capacity in Mexico for 

performing future cleanups. This was accomplished by coordinating decision-making between EPA and 

SEMARNAT and with support from a Mexican-based waste management contractor, Residuos Industriales 

Multiquim, S.A. de C.V. (RIMSA), used for the waste removal effort. The third objective was to determine 

unit costs for waste removal. Unit costs are discussed further in Section 4.4. 

Page 2 Summary Report 
4.0 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE REMOVAL ACTION 

SEMARNAT and EPA coordinated waste removal activities at the site, with Tetra Tech providing planning 

and management for the removal action and RIMSA providing the waste removal and disposal services. The 

first part of the removal action was funded by SEMARNAT and the second part of the removal action was 

funded by EPA. 

The following sections present a description of the pre-removal activities as well as the work that has been 

completed to date, including all waste removed using funding provided by SEMARNAT and EPA. For 

reference, Figure 1 shows the site features before the removal action and Figure 2 shows how the site 

features were changed as removal activities were completed. 

4.1 Pre-Removal Activities 

In June 2004, Tetra Tech solicited proposals from qualified U.S. or Mexican firms to perform the removal 

action at the Metales site. Two proposals were received, and RIMSA was selected based on the quality of 

the technical proposal and the competitive pricing. RIMSA was then required to prepare a field work plan to 

address how and what wastes would be removed and how they would be protective of their employees and 

the surrounding community during removal activities. Tetra Tech and EPA worked with RIMSA to create 

the work plan, and RIMSA’s plan was incorporated into Tetra Tech’s field work plan (Appendix C). The 

work plan was developed to serve as a working document of continued usefulness to both SEMARNAT and 

EPA in all planned removal actions. A copy of the work plan was provided to SEMARNAT for comment, 

but no comments were received. 

In preparation for the disposal, RIMSA addressed all import and export requirements for transportation, 

treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 

(Title 40, Part 262.12(a)), treatment, storage, and disposal facilities are required to provide notice of their 

intent to receive hazardous waste from Mexico. The notices were provided to EPA by Chemical Waste 

Management - Kettleman Hills and by U.S. Ecology, as required. The Mexican government also provided 

notice to EPA of the intent to ship hazardous waste from Mexico to the U.S., in accordance with Annex III of 

the La Paz Agreement. 

4.2 Removal Action Description 

All of the removal action field work was performed by RIMSA under contract with SEMARNAT and Tetra 

Tech. The removal action field work included waste loading, transport, and disposal. For waste loading, 

Page 3 Summary Report 
waste was loaded into trucks at the site using a front-end loader. In order to minimize airborne particles, the 

waste being removed was continuously sprayed with water from a hose until fully wet. In accordance with 

U.S. import regulations, each truckload carried no more than approximately 20 tons of waste. 

In order to protect themselves from the chemical and physical hazards of the site, field personnel were 

required to wear personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant clothing, boots with steel-toe 

protection, disposable gloves, disposable boot covers, air-purifying respirators, and a hard hat. Appendix D 

provides photo documentation of the loading and health and safety procedures followed during the removal 

action. 

After loading, the waste was exported across the U.S.-Mexico border to permitted U.S. hazardous waste 

facilities. Representatives from SEMARNAT signed all manifests and other documents as the generator of 

the waste. Transportation was conducted in accordance with applicable Mexican, U.S. Department of 

Transportation, EPA, and individual state regulations pertaining to the transportation and handling of 

hazardous wastes. Upon arrival at the landfill, waste disposal was conducted in accordance with applicable 

EPA and state regulations pertaining to the treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes. 

Daily reports and manifests related to the work performed under contract with Tetra Tech were provided by 

RIMSA. The daily reports are provided in Appendix E, and copies of the manifests are provided in 

Appendix F. 

4.3 Wastes Removed under the SEMARNAT Contract 

SEMARNAT contracted RIMSA to load, transport to the U.S., and dispose of 95 tons of hazardous waste 

from the Metales site. All 95 tons of waste were collected from the west side of the site, along the west wall, 

including the waste drums located there. Because the drums of waste were intermixed with dirt and debris in 

this area, it is not known exactly how many drums of waste were removed from the site during this effort. 

Waste loading and exporting for this effort began on June 22, 2004, and was completed on July 27, 2004. 

The first waste load, exported on June 24, 2004, was sent to the Kettleman Hills hazardous waste landfill in 

Kettleman City, California. All other waste loads were sent to the U.S. Ecology hazardous waste landfill 

located south of Beatty, Nevada. The reason that the waste was taken to two different locations is the waste 

was originally classified as K069 waste, and the Kettleman facility would not accept it without a clarification 

of whether it was K069 – high lead subcategory or K069 – low lead subcategory. While discussions were 

being held about the classification, the next loads were taken to the Nevada facility where the waste was 

correctly classified as D008 waste. Table 1 shows the dates of loading and exporting, manifest numbers, and 

the amount of waste removed. 

Page 4 Summary Report 
4.4 Wastes Removed under the EPA Contract 

Under the EPA contract, Tetra Tech’s subcontractor, RIMSA, loaded, transported to the U.S., and disposed 

of 202.8 tons of hazardous waste from the Metales site. Of the 202.8 tons removed, 140.8 tons were from the 

waste drums area located on the west side of the former processing area. The remaining 62 tons of waste 

were removed from the waste sacks and drums area located on the east side of the former processing area 

(Figure 2). Each truckload could contain no more than 40 percent debris or it would not be accepted at the 

landfill. Therefore, a majority of the drums and pallets located in the removal areas were not loaded for 

disposal; only the waste within and around the drums and sacks was loaded into the trucks. The drums and 

pallets were moved to the south side of the site and consolidated into a debris pile. The future removal of 

this debris pile is addressed in Section 5.0. All loads removed under EPA’s contract were sent to the U.S. 

Ecology hazardous waste landfill located south of Beatty, Nevada. Table 1 provides information related to 

each truckload of waste removed. 

Table 1: Waste Removal Activities to Date 

Load 

Number 

Date 

Waste 

Loaded 

Date 

Waste 

Exported a 

Mexican 

Manifest 

Number b 

U.S. 

Manifest 

Number b 

Waste Disposal 

Landfill 

Waste 

Removed 

(Tons) 

Drums 

Removed c 

Waste Removed by SEMARNAT 

1 6/22/2004 6/24/2004 26968 21601091 Kettleman Hills 20 NA 

2 7/16/2004 7/20/2004 26969 21601135 U.S. Ecology 20 NA 

3 7/16/2004 7/20/2004 26970 21601136 U.S. Ecology 20 NA 

4 7/21/2004 7/22/2004 26971 21601138 U.S. Ecology 20 NA 

5 7/26/2004 7/27/2004 26972 21601139 U.S. Ecology 15 NA 

Total Removed by SEMARNAT 95 NA 

Waste Removed by EPA 

6 7/28/2004 7/29/2004 27116 21601140 U.S. Ecology 21.3 36 

7 7/28/2004 7/29/2004 27117 21601141 U.S. Ecology 19.8 36 

8 8/2/2004 8/3/2004 27119 21601145 U.S. Ecology 19.9 36 

9 8/4/2004 8/5/2004 27118 21601144 U.S. Ecology 20.1 36 

10 8/4/2004 8/5/2004 27120 21601146 U.S. Ecology 19.7 36 

11 8/9/2004 8/10/2004 27121 21601148 U.S. Ecology 19.8 36 

12 8/9/2004 8/10/2004 27122 21601149 U.S. Ecology 20.2 36 

13 8/11/2004 8/12/2004 27123 21601151 U.S. Ecology 20.2 NA 

14 8/16/2004 8/17/2004 27124 21601152 U.S. Ecology 21.1 NA 

15 8/16/2004 8/17/2004 27125 21601153 U.S. Ecology 20.7 NA 

Total Removed by EPA d 202.8 NA 

Total Removed to Date 297.8 NA 

Page 5 Summary Report 
c 

Notes: 

a Waste can only be exported from Mexico to the U.S. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. A maximum of 

approximately 60 tons could be transported across the Mexico/U.S. border during a single week. 

b The manifests for the waste removed under the EPA contract are located in Appendix F. 

 The actual drums were not removed from the site; only the waste contained within and around the drums was removed. 

Therefore, the number of drums removed is an approximate number. 

d The total amount of waste contracted for removal by Tetra Tech/EPA (based on the cost per ton) was 183 tons; however, 

a total of 202.8 tons was actually removed by RIMSA due to even truckloads. 

NA Information not available 

Unit costs for the removal, transportation to the U.S., and disposal of hazardous waste from the Metales site 

under EPA’s contract was $219.67 per ton. This cost per ton does not include the additional costs for 

RIMSA associated with preparation of the field work plan, mobilization at the site, site preparation, and 

demobilization. This cost per ton also does not include Tetra Tech’s costs for preparing the technical 

memorandum and field work plan, selecting a subcontractor, and performing removal action oversight. 

Consideration was given to disposal of the waste in Mexico at a slightly lower cost ($197.33 per ton); 

however, SEMARNAT and EPA decided that all of the waste should be disposed of in the U.S. Unit costs 

for the removal effort under SEMARNAT’s contract were not provided. Table 2 provides RIMSA’s unit 

costs for all tasks associated with the removal effort under EPA’s contract. 

Page 6 Summary Report 
Table 2: Unit Costs from RIMSA 

Waste 

Disposal 

Location 

Field 

Work 

Plan ($) 

Mobilization 

($) 

Site 

Preparation 

($) 

Demobilization 

($) 

Waste Management Service ($

Loading Transportation D

U.S. 200 525 300 525 9.94 115.98 

Mexico 200 525 300 480 9.94 117.39 

Notes: 

a The cost per ton is the total of the costs for loading, transportation, and disposal. The other costs are not included in the cost per ton beca

associated with this waste removal effort. 

All costs are presented in U.S. dollars. 

Page 7 
4.5 Additional Work Performed at the Site after the Completion of EPA’s Work 

On August 11, 2004, personnel from H&H Eco Systems Inc. (H&H) arrived at the Metales site to collect 

samples. This work was not performed for EPA, nor did H&H explain who authorized this sampling 

activity. They stated that they are a subcontractor for a company based in Mexico; however, they would not 

reveal the name of the company. In their effort to collect the samples, approximately 350 tons of waste was 

excavated from the large waste pile located in the southeast corner of the site and moved to the north side of 

the site along the fence. A large pile of debris was also created along the eastern portion of the site, east of 

the large waste pile. The piles created along the north fence were only partially covered with tarps. 

Additionally, in rearranging the waste from the large waste pile, tarps that partially covered the waste were 

damaged, and the crusty surface layer that had formed due to exposure to the elements no longer exists. 

Figure 3 shows the current site features as they have been impacted by the excavation and movement of 

waste from the large waste pile. 

According to a representative from H&H, the excavated waste will ultimately be taken to a facility in Mexico 

and treated to reduce the lead concentrations. A demonstration of this treatment at the Metales site was 

planned for the week of August 30, 2004. It is unclear what will ultimately happen with this “treated 

material” as no written plan for this work has been provided. 

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER CLEANUP 

In May 2004, SEMARNAT prepared a remediation plan for the Metales site that included four phases of 

cleanup (SEMARNAT 2004a). This remediation plan was included as part of the coordination agreement 

that was signed by Mexican federal, state, and municipal agencies in June 2004 (Appendix B). Phase I of the 

plan discusses public communication, waste removal, and site security. Phase II consists of site 

characterization and risk assessment activities. Phase III includes a feasibility study, and Phase IV addresses 

the final remediation of the site. Tetra Tech’s recommendations for future cleanup efforts and for addressing 

public health and environmental risks at the site coincide with the SEMARNAT remediation plan. Tetra 

Tech’s specific recommendations related to Phase I are discussed below. Tetra Tech has no additional 

recommendations associated with Phases II, III, or IV. 

Phase I of the cleanup plan includes communication with the public, waste removal, and site security. The 

local community has already been actively involved with the activities occurring at the Metales site. For 

example, on August 17, 2004, representatives from the local community were provided an overview of the 

cleanup efforts to date. A plan should be implemented for the remainder of the cleanup activities that will 

facilitate further participation of the public. Additionally, one main point of contact within each government 

Page 8 Summary Report 
agency should be established for the site. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that work on the 

site is fully approved and appropriate. 

Although waste removal has already begun at the site, a large amount of waste remains, including: 

• Waste sacks and drums located on the east side of the former processing area 

• A small waste pile surrounded by a concrete wall on the south side of the site 

• A large waste pile on the east side of the site 

• Two mounds of waste located along the north side of the site 

• Waste buried beneath the process area 

• Piles of battery casings 

• Piles of debris in the southwest and northeast corners of the site 

• Miscellaneous drums and debris scattered throughout the site 

The removal action discussed above resulted in the clearing of all waste from the western portion of the 

Metales site (see photos 3 and 6 in Appendix D). Further consolidating wastes should be assessed as part of 

any future cleanup activities for the Metales site. Surface material could be consolidated into waste 

categories such as (1) slag and (2) battery casings and other debris. The waste categories could then be more 

effectively stabilized until a final cleanup of the surface wastes is accomplished. 

In addition to the waste remaining on site, there are other conditions that present risks to public health 

through added exposure to the hazardous material. These include: 

• The lack of a high quality, durable tarp to completely cover any waste that will not be 

immediately removed 

• The lack of a secure fence that completely surrounds the site 

• The presence of man-made holes in parts of the existing fence 

• The need for additional signs warning the public of the dangers of the site 

There are also physical hazards at the site that workers and trespassers may be exposed to, including: 

• The presence of heavy equipment 

• Slippery surfaces 

• Empty, rusted, and tall piles of drums 

• Sumps and other holes in the ground 

The priority wastes that should be considered for removal are those that are exposed and readily available to 

wind-borne transport. These priority wastes include the waste sacks and drums located on the east side of the 

former processing area and, due to the rearrangement of the large waste pile, the large waste pile on the east 

Page 9 Summary Report 
side of the site and the two mounds of waste located along the north side of the site. 

As discussed in Section 4.4, the unit cost under EPA’s contract for the removal, transportation, and disposal 

of hazardous waste from the Metales site was $219.67 per ton. This unit cost does not include costs for 

mobilization and demobilization or for Tetra Tech’s oversight of field operations. However, using this unit 

cost, the removal of all process wastes from the Metales site would cost from $1.5 million to $3.3 million. 

In additional to waste removal, Tetra Tech recommends that the following activities be performed 

immediately in order to minimize future contaminant releases to the surrounding community and the 

environment: 

1. Replacement of the current tarps on waste piles with high quality, durable tarps or a polymer 

coating that will withstand the elements and provide protection from wind and rain for at least 

one year 

2. Completion of the chain link fence along the southern portion of the site 

3. Replacement of the areas in the existing chain link fence that have been damaged 

4. Placement of additional signs along the fence that warn of the dangers of the site 

Additional activities suggested for completion during this phase include: 

• Removing the remainder of the wastes on the site 

• Covering up the sumps and holes in the ground throughout the site 

• Removing the concrete and metal structures remaining on the site 

• Providing site security through frequent inspections of the fence and tarps 

Another recommendation is to move the fence along the eastern side of the site a few feet to the west. This 

would allow the local residents that frequently pass through the Metales site to utilize a path around the site. 

Besides minimizing risks to trespassers, this effort would also minimize future damage to the tarps and 

fences located in and around the site. 

6.0 REFERENCES 

Commission for Environmental Cooperation of North America (CEC). 2002. “Metales y Derivados Final 

Factual Record.” 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2004. “Draft Proposal, Risk Assessment and Risk Management 

Support for the Metales and Derivados Cleanup.” August. 

Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). 2004a. “Plan de Remediación 

Page 10 Summary Report 
Propuesto del Sitio Metales y Derivados.” May 20. 

SEMARNAT. 2004b. Faxed copy of material de colección de muestras. June 15. 

Tetra Tech EM Inc. 2004. “Draft Technical Memorandum: Assessment of Alternatives for a 

Stabilization/Removal Action, Metales y Derivados, Tijuana, Mexico.” May 28. 

Page 11 Summary Report 
Figures 
I !. 

i

Si i

ALLEY 

CALLE DOS ORIENTE 

AND 

ENTRANCE TO SITE 

# 

1

2 

4

5 

8 

7 

14 

4 

D) 

Tetra Tech EM Inc. 

Pacific 

Ocean Gulf of 

California 

United States 

of Amer ca 

Mexico 

te Locat on 

SMALL WASTE PILE 

OFFICE 

BATTERY DISPOSAL PILE 

POSSIBLE BURIED MATERIAL 

INDUSTRIAL 

BUILDING 

LARGE WASTE PILE 

YARD 

FOUNDRY 

AREA 

PIT 

METALES Y DERIVADOS 

TIJUANA, MEXICO 

FIGURE 1 

SITE FEATURES BEFORE 

REMOVAL ACTION 

WASTE 

SACKS 

DRUMS 

WASTE 

DRUMS 

MAINTENANCE 

YARD 

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS 

VACANT LOT 

WASTE AREA 

CONCRETE WALL 

FENCE 

METAL STRUCTURE 

UNPAVED AREA 

ROAD 

PHOTO NUMBER 

FROM LOG 

(APPENDIX 
I !. 

i

Si i

ALLEY 

CALLE DOS ORIENTE 

AND 

ENTRANCE TO SITE 

# 

3 

9 

6 

3 

D) 

Tetra Tech EM Inc. 

Pacific 

Ocean Gulf of 

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United States 

of Amer ca 

Mexico 

te Locat on 

SMALL WASTE PILE 

OFFICE 

BATTERY DISPOSAL PILE 

POSSIBLE BURIED MATERIAL 

INDUSTRIAL 

BUILDING 

LARGE WASTE PILE 

YARD 

FOUNDRY 

AREA 

PIT 

METALES Y DERIVADOS 

TIJUANA, MEXICO 

FIGURE 2 

SITE FEATURES AFTER 

REMOVAL ACTION 

WASTE 

SACKS 

DRUMS 

WASTE 

DRUMS 

MAINTENANCE 

YARD 

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS 

VACANT LOT 

WASTE AREA 

DEBRIS PILE 

CONCRETE WALL 

FENCE 

METAL STRUCTURE 

UNPAVED AREA 

ROAD 

APPROXIMATE 

WASTE REMOVAL AREA 

PHOTO NUMBER 

FROM LOG 

(APPENDIX 
I !. 

i

Si i

ALLEY 

CALLE DOS ORIENTE 

AND 

D) 

15 

15 

16 

ENTRANCE TO SITE 

# 

Tetra Tech EM Inc. 

Pacific 

Ocean Gulf of 

California 

United States 

of Amer ca 

Mexico 

te Locat on 

SMALL WASTE PILE 

OFFICE 

BATTERY DISPOSAL PILE 

POSSIBLE BURIED MATERIAL 

INDUSTRIAL 

BUILDING 

LARGE WASTE PILE 

YARD 

FOUNDRY 

AREA 

PIT 

METALES Y DERIVADOS 

TIJUANA, MEXICO 

FIGURE 3 

CURRENT SITE FEATURES 

WASTE 

SACKS 

DRUMS 

WASTE 

DRUMS 

MAINTENANCE 

YARD 

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS 

VACANT LOT 

WASTE MOUNDS 

WASTE AREA 

DEBRIS PILE 

CONCRETE WALL 

FENCE 

METAL STRUCTURE 

UNPAVED AREA 

ROAD 

APPROXIMATE 

WASTE REMOVAL AREA 

PHOTO NUMBER 

FROM LOG 

(APPENDIX 
Appendix A 

SEMARNAT Waste Characterization Data 














Appendix B 

Convenio del 24 de Junio 2004












Appendix C 

Final Field Work Plan 
RCRA ENFORCEMENT, PERMITTING, 

AND ASSISTANCE CONTRACT 

REGION 9 

FINAL 

FIELD WORK PLAN 

FOR REMOVAL ACTION AT THE 

METALES Y DERIVADOS SITE, TIJUANA, MEXICO 

Prepared for 

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

Emily Pimentel, Work Assignment Manager 

EPA Region 9 

San Francisco, California 

Contract No. 68-W-02-021 

Solicitation No. PR-HQ-00-11879 

Prepared by 

TETRA TECH EM INC. 

1230 Columbia Street, Suite 1000 

San Diego, CA 92123 

(619) 525-7188 

September 20, 2004 
CONTENTS 

1.0 Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 Site Background and Waste Characteristics ....................................................................................... 1

3.0 Objectives of the Removal Action ....................................................................................................... 1

4.0 Technical Approach ............................................................................................................................ 2

4.1 Field Work Schedule .......................................................................................................... 2

4.2 Contractor Oversight........................................................................................................... 2

4.3 Health and Safety Measures................................................................................................ 3

4.4 Waste Management Procedures .......................................................................................... 4

FIGURE 

Figure 1 Site Location Map 

APPENDICES 

Appendix A Procedimiento de Operaciones, Metales y Derivados 

Appendix B Seguridad e Higiene en la Operación de Metales y Derivados 
1.0 INTRODUCTION 

Tetra Tech EM Inc. (Tetra Tech) has been contracted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 

9 (EPA) under Contract No. 68-W-02-021, Work Assignment No. R09114, to perform a removal action at 

the Metales y Derivados (Metales) site in Tijuana, Mexico. This work plan outlines the site background and 

removal action objectives as well as the proposed technical approach to completing the task, including the 

anticipated schedule, field oversight, health and safety measures, and waste management procedures. 

2.0 SITE BACKGROUND AND WASTE CHARACTERISTICS 

The Metales site is an abandoned secondary lead smelter in Tijuana, Mexico that was active from 1986 to 

1994. Remnants of the lead smelter and recycling facility remain on the site. Figure 1 shows the location of 

the site and site features. Materials previously brought to the site for refining included lead-contaminated 

soils, telephone cable sheathing, lead oxide, used industrial and automotive batteries, lead scrap, and sludge 

and dust collected in bag-type dust collectors. 

The site accumulated several thousand cubic meters of process waste while the lead smelter was active. 

Most of the exposed waste material appears to be slag, baghouse dust, or similar refinery processing residue 

from the lead smelting process. Inspection of the exposed waste material at the site indicates that much of it 

is friable and releases fine particulates if disturbed. Estimates of the total amount of process waste located in 

different areas throughout the site ranges from 7,000 to 15,000 tons. Characterization of the various process 

wastes on site was conducted by the Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), 

and a majority of the waste has been designated as hazardous under U.S. and Mexican environmental laws 

and regulations. The waste to be removed during this effort should be considered hazardous waste according 

to both U.S. regulations (characteristic hazardous waste D008) and Mexican regulations (lead concentration 

exceeds 5 milligrams per liter [mg/L] in the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure). 

3.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE REMOVAL ACTION 

Process wastes remaining at the Metales site from the secondary lead smelting activities pose an immediate 

and continuing risk to workers in buildings surrounding the Metales site and to nearby residents. The 

primary contaminant of concern at the site is lead and the main route of potential exposure is through 

inhalation of wind-blown particulates. The objective of the planned removal action is to eliminate, or reduce 

to the extent practical, the immediate and primary health risks associated with these process wastes. 

Page 1 Final Field Work Plan 
There are several locations throughout the site in which waste is piled or stacked in sacks and drums. 

Specifically, there are three locations surrounding the former process area at the site in which drums are 

stacked: two areas on the west side of the site with waste drums and one area on the east side of the former 

process area with waste sacks and drums (see Figure 1). Work is currently underway (under separate 

contract with SEMARNAT) to remove a portion of the drums located on the west side of the site. The waste 

material to be removed as part of this effort is the remaining material (after the completion of work under the 

SEMARNAT contract) contained in drums on the west side of the former process area as well as a portion of 

the material contained in drums on the east side of the former process area in the waste sacks and drums area. 

 A total of 183 tons of the waste contained in drums and all the waste immediately surrounding the drums 

will be removed. 

4.0 TECHNICAL APPROACH 

The following sections present the project schedule, oversight plans, health and safety measures, and waste 

management procedures. 

4.1 Field Work Schedule 

EPA requested that all field work be completed by August 31, 2004. Field work with Tetra Tech’s 

subcontractor is anticipated to begin the week of July 26, 2004, and is expected to last four weeks. Field 

work is anticipated to be complete by August 20, 2004. Additional schedule information is located in 

Appendix A. 

4.2 Contractor Oversight 

Tetra Tech will perform oversight of the work performed by the subcontractor, Residuos Industriales 

Multiquim, S.A. de C.V. (RIMSA). The subcontractor field work plan is attached as Appendix A. Tetra 

Tech’s oversight will consist of the following tasks: 

• Provide an on-site presence throughout the field work activities, including the first two days of 

field work 

• Provide guidance and direction on the specific waste to remove from the site 

• Ensure that the subcontractor follows the approved work plan approach and accepted health and 

safety measures 

• Monitor the dust control procedures 

• Monitor all other site activities performed by the subcontractor 

Tetra Tech will also document the work performed on a weekly basis and will provide the information to 

Page 2 Final Field Work Plan 
EPA. 

4.3 Health and Safety Measures 

Tetra Tech personnel will adhere to Tetra Tech’s internal health and safety requirements. Tetra Tech’s 

subcontractor will comply with the attached subcontractor site-specific health and safety plan (see Appendix 

B). Hazards at the site are listed as follows. 

Chemical Hazards 

Chemicals present at the site include lead and arsenic (at high concentrations across the site) as well as 

cadmium and antimony (in low concentrations). Potential routes of exposure include dermal (skin) contact, 

inhalation, and ingestion. The chemicals may also contaminate equipment, vehicles, instruments, and 

personnel. 

Physical Hazards 

Physical hazards associated with site activities include the presence of heavy equipment, utility and power 

lines, slippery surfaces, unseen obstacles, wildlife, noise, and heat. 

In order to avoid the chemical and physical hazards of the site, Tetra Tech personnel will be required to wear 

personal protective equipment while inside the boundary of the site. Protective equipment will include: work 

clothes, boots with steel-toe protection, disposable gloves, chemical-resistant clothing (such as Tyvek® or 

Saranex® coveralls), disposable boot covers, a full-face air-purifying respirator with National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health-approved cartridges, a hard hat, and hearing protection. Tetra Tech is not 

scoped to perform air monitoring or sampling; however, Tetra Tech personnel will be equipped with personal 

air monitoring equipment for their own safety. 

The need for personnel decontamination at the site will be limited by using disposable personal protective 

equipment whenever possible. Personnel and personal protective equipment will be decontaminated with 

potable water or a mixture of detergent and water. Liquid and solid wastes generated during 

decontamination will be collected and disposed of properly. 

Subcontractors participating in the removal action will be required to comply with applicable Mexican health 

and safety requirements. Tetra Tech will ensure that the subcontractor’s procedures are followed and will 

notify them if any health and safety issues arise. 

Page 3 Final Field Work Plan 
In case of an emergency, personnel will notify the appropriate emergency organization. Tetra Tech will also 

notify Saul Guzman, Juan Manuel Aguilar, and Hugo Zepeda of SEMARNAT and Emily Pimentel of EPA. 

Their contact information is as follows: 

Saul Guzman – (664) 6347576 

Juan Manuel Aguilar – 56-24-35-42 

Hugo Zepeda – (686) 9044201 

Emily Pimentel – (415) 972-3326 

Mexican Emergency Assistance – 066 

4.4 Waste Management Procedures 

All waste removed from the Metales site will be collected using the procedures described in the attached 

work plan (see Appendix A). The following sections summarize the procedures for loading, transporting, 

and disposing of the waste. 

Waste Loading 

Waste will be loaded into bins located at the site. The waste is anticipated to have a friable nature, and a 

tendency to release airborne fine particulates when disturbed. Tetra Tech’s subcontractor will prevent any 

airborne migration of waste materials during loading, transport, and disposal by fully wetting the waste 

material prior to loading it. 

Waste Transport 

The waste bins will be placed onto trucks for export to the U.S. Tetra Tech’s subcontractor will transport 

each waste shipment from the Metales site to U.S. Ecology, a permitted hazardous waste facility in Nevada. 

Transportation will be conducted in accordance with applicable Mexican, U.S. Department of Transportation 

(DOT), EPA, and individual state regulations pertaining to the transportation and handling of hazardous 

wastes. 

Waste Disposal 

Disposal will be conducted in accordance with applicable EPA and State of Nevada regulations pertaining to 

the treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes. Tetra Tech’s subcontractor will prepare any necessary waste 

profiles. Representatives from SEMARNAT will sign all manifests and other documents as the generator of 

the waste. Tetra Tech’s subcontractor will coordinate the signing of all manifests and other necessary 

Page 4 Final Field Work Plan 
documents with those representatives. 

Tetra Tech’s subcontractor will provide Tetra Tech will all records required by applicable Mexican and U.S. 

federal, state, and local regulations. At a minimum, these records shall include copies of manifests, land 

disposal restriction documents, certificates of final disposal, exception reports, and relevant 

operating/inspection records for treatment, storage and disposal facilities. 

Tetra Tech’s subcontractor will be responsible for disposing all investigation-derived waste (IDW) generated 

during this removal action. IDW generated during this construction may consist of rinse water from 

decontamination activities, used disposable personal protective equipment, sampling equipment, and other 

related materials. Handling of contaminated materials will follow applicable statutes, regulations and 

ordnances. 

Page 5 Final Field Work Plan 
Figure 

Appendix A 

Procedimiento de Operaciones 

Metales y Derivados 
RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V. 

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

PROCEDIMIENTO DE OPERACIONES 

METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Gerente de Proyecto Coordinador de operaciones Gerente Regional 

Q.I. Patricia Tovar Q.I. Jaime Barranco Ing. Armando Barajas 

ELABORO REVISO APROBO 

 Página 1 de 5 
RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V. 

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

I. ANTECEDENTES GENERALES 

Metales y Derivados es un sitio abandonado donde se operó una recicladora de plomo 

entre los años 1986 y 1994. Los materiales de los cuales provenía el plomo incluían 

suelos contaminados, cables telefónicos, óxido de plomo, baterías automotrices e 

industriales, desechos de plomo, lodos y polvos de los colectores. Los remanentes de 

este proceso de reciclaje se fueron acumulando en el lugar a través de estos años y 

permanecen en el lugar, acumulando 3,000 toneladas aproximadamente. 

II. ANTECEDENTES DEL PROYECTO 

En Junio de 2004, Residuos Industriales Multiquim, S.A. de C.V., es contratada por la 

EPA a través de la empresa TETRA TECH EM para llevar a cabo las operaciones de 

remoción de 183 toneladas de residuos contaminados con plomo. Así mismo es 

contratada por la SEMARNAT para realizar la misma operación de remoción por otras 

100 toneladas del mismo residuo. 

III. OBJETIVO 

Establecer los procedimientos de remoción, carga y transporte que se llevarán a cabo 

durante la realización de este proyecto. Así como los requisitos que aseguren la 

protección personal de los trabajadores que laboran en el proyecto de Metales y 

Derivados, la de los inspectores, los visitantes, los transportistas, contratistas y 

proveedores que requieran entrar a las diferentes áreas activas del predio. 

IV. EQUIPO DE TRABAJO 

Cargo Función Nombre 

Gerente Regional Responsable de operaciones 

regionales y Apoderado Legal. 

Ing. Armando Barajas 

Gerente de Proyecto Responsable de la elaboración de los 

procedimientos y coordinación de las 

Q.I. Patricia Tovar 

operaciones administrativas del 

proyecto. 

Gerente de Operación Responsable técnico de la operación 

de remoción/carga y coordinación del 

Q.I. Jaime Barranco 

transporte de los residuos. 

Supervisor Encargado de la supervisión de los 

operadores en el sitio. 

Sr. Carlos Americano 

Operadores Encargados de realizar las 

operaciones de remoción y carga de 

4 Operadores asignados, este 

personal puede variar. 

los residuos al equipo de transporte 

 Página 2 de 5 
RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V. 

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Cargo Función Nombre 

Chofer de transporte en 

México 

Encargados de transportar la carga 

del sitio a los patios de la Aduana. 

Chofer asignado por Express 

California ó por Transportes 

Mendías. 

Chofer de transporte en 

Estados Unidos 

Encargados de transportar la carga de 

los patios de la Aduana a U.S. 

Chofer asignado por 

Transportes Mendías ó por 

Ecology Facility Hoyt Transportation ó por Rust 

and Sons. 

Gerente Ambiental de U.S. Responsable de recibir los residuos Tracy Smith 

Ecology en el sitio de disposición final. 

Delegado en B.C. de 

SEMARNAT 

Responsable de firmar los 

documentos necesarios (Manifiestos, 

C.P. Hugo Adriel Zepeda 

Berrelleza 

Carta Encomienda) como Generador 

de los Residuos Peligrosos 

V. DESCRIPCION DE LAS OPERACIONES 

1 EN EL SITIO 

1.1 ASIGNACIÓN DE AREA DE TRANSICIÓN: 

1.1.1 El primer día de operación en el sitio, se asignará un lugar de transición en el 

cual el personal operativo, realizará su cambio de ropa y se colocará su 

respectivo equipo de protección personal y donde después de terminada su 

labor, utilizará para cambiarse nuevamente. 

1.2 ASIGNACION DEL AREA DE DESCONTAMINACION: 

1.2.1 Cerca al área de transición se colocará el área de descontaminación, donde el 

personal operativo colocará su equipo de protección personal desechable y 

descontaminará el equipo de protección que así lo requiera. 

1.3 CONTROL DE EMISIONES: 

1.3.1 HUMEDECER EL AREA DE TRABAJO: Debido a que el mayor riesgo en el 

manejo de este residuo es que con el movimiento se desprenden partículas 

finas de polvo que contiene plomo, la técnica para reducir emisiones será el 

rocío con agua de las zonas a ir trabajando. Que sea suficiente para reducir la 

emisión, y no demasiada que provoque lodo. 

1.3.2 CONTENEDORES QUE SE ENCUENTRAN A DOBLE O TRIPLE ESTIBA: Para 

humedecer los residuos a doble estiba se utilizará una extensión rígida de 

manguera con aspersor curvo. Para los residuos a triple estiba, en este caso los 

supersacos se utilizará escalera de tijera y la extensión rígida de manguera. 

1.3.3 MOVIMIENTO CON PALA: El uso de la pala se hará con el suficiente cuidado 

de no levantarla más de lo necesario del piso para evitar el esparcimiento de 

polvos. 

 Página 3 de 5 
RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V. 

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

1.3.4 USO DE LA CARRETILLA: El uso de la carretilla se aprovechará para mover el 

residuo de un lugar a otro, siempre rociando el residuo antes de moverlo. 

1.3.5 USO DE RETROEXCAVADORA: El uso de la retroexcavadora será el de apilar 

en montículos y luego cargar a los contenedores previo el rocío con agua de los 

mismos. 

1.3.6 COBERTURA DE RESIDUOS: Las áreas donde se encuentran los residuos 

serán cubiertas con plástico polietileno para disminuir la emisión de polvo 

durante la operación en el sitio. 

2 CARGA DE LOS CONTENEDORES 

2.1 Los contenedores donde se cargará el residuo son abiertos por la parte 

superior, con una capacidad de hasta 20 toneladas en peso, conocidos como 

“endump”. 

2.2 El contenedor será pesado vacío, para obtener la tara del mismo. 

2.3 La carga de los contenedores se hará con la ayuda de la retroexcavadora, 

siempre humedeciendo antes el residuo. 

2.4 La carga será cubierta con una lona plastificada, para evitar dispersión del 

residuo durante su transporte. 

2.5 Después de cargado el contenedor se volverá a pesar y se le restará la tara al 

peso, para determinar el peso real del residuo para anotarlo en el Manifiesto. 

3 TRANSPORTE 

3.1 El transporte se hará en vehículos autorizados por las Agencias 

correspondientes. 

3.2 Antes de cargar el camión el chofer llevará a tarar el vehículo a la báscula de 

Garita de Otay. 

3.3 Después de cargado el contenedor el chofer del camión llevará a pesar la carga 

a la báscula de Garita de Otay y regresará al sitio para completar el Manifiesto. 

3.4 El transporte se realizará en dos etapas: la primera del sitio Metales y Derivados 

a los patios de la Aduana y la segunda de los patios de la Aduana al 

confinamiento de U.S. Ecology Facility. 

4 DOCUMENTACION 

4.1 PERFIL APROBADO DE U.S. ECOLOGY 

4.2 NOTIFICACION A LA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

4.3 CARTA ENCOMIENDA PARA EL AGENTE ADUANAL POR PARTE DE LA 

SEMARNAT 

4.4 COPIA DEL REGISTRO FEDERAL DE CONTRIBUYENTES DE LA 

SEMARNAT 

 Página 4 de 5 
RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V. 

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

4.5 COPIA DE UNA IDENTIFICACION CON FOTOGRAFIA DEL RESPONSABLE 

POR PARTE DE SEMARNAT 

4.6 MANIFIESTO DE RECOLECCION Y TRANSPORTE MEXICANO 

4.7 PEDIMENTO DE EXPORTACION 

4.8 AVISO DE RETORNO 

4.9 INWARD CARGO 

4.10 U.S. EPA MANIFEST 

5 PROGRAMACION DE EMBARQUES 

5.1 Se tiene programado hacer tres embarques semanales de exportación, los días 

martes, miércoles y jueves, que son los días que se tiene pre-asignado por parte 

de la Aduana para permitir los cruces trans-fronterizos de residuos peligrosos. 

5.2 Los contenedores deberán quedar cargados un día anterior a la exportación. 

5.3 Los documentos que deberán acompañar cada exportación serán: 

• Manifiesto Mexicano 

• Pedimento de Exportación 

• Aviso de retorno 

• U.S. EPA Manifest 

• Inward Cargo 

6 TERMINACION DE PROYECTO 

6.1 Al terminar de embarcar la totalidad del tonelaje comprometido, se procederá a 

levantar las áreas de transición y descontaminación. 

6.2 El Equipo de Protección Personal usado en el sitio durante el proyecto, se 

enviarán a disposición final como residuos internos de Residuos Industriales 

Multiquim, S.A. de C.V. 

 Página 5 de 5 
PLAN DE TRABAJO RIMSA PARA PROYECTO DE METALES Y DERIVADOS

22 23 24 25 28 29 30 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 

1 2Y3 4 5 6Y7 8 9Y10 11Y12 13 

2Y3 4 5 6Y7 8 9Y10 11Y12 13 

1 2Y3 4 5 6Y7 8 9Y10 11Y12 13 

1 2Y3 4 5 6Y7 8 9Y10 11Y12 13 

LIMPIEZACARGA DE ENDUMP D L M Mi J V S D L M Mi J V S D 

ELABORACION DE DOCUMENTOS 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 2 1 

EXPORTACION 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3 8 RECEPCION EN CONFINAMIENTO 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 4 15 RESIDUOS SEMARNAT 27 28 28 30 2 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5 22 RESIDUOS EPA 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 6 29 

DESCRIPCION DE ACTIVIDAD

1 2

JUNIO JULIO

4

JUNIO JULIO 

SEMANA

3 5 

678

LIMPIEZACARGA DE ENDUMPELABORACION DE DOCUMENTOSEXPORTACIONRECEPCION EN CONFINAMIENTORESIDUOS SEMARNATRESIDUOS EPA
Appendix B 

Seguridad e Higiene en la Operación 

de Metales y Derivados 
 

RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V.

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Página 1 de 7 

SEGURIDAD E HIGIENE EN LA 

OPERACIÓN DE METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Gerente de Proyecto 

Q.I. Patricia Tovar 

Coordinador de operaciones 

Q.I. Jaime Barranco 

Gerente Regional 

Ing. Armando Barajas 

ELABORO REVISO APROBO 
 

RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V.

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Página 2 de 7 

I. OBJETIVO 

Establecer los requisitos que aseguren la protección personal de los trabajadores que 

laboran en el proyecto de Metales y Derivados, la de los inspectores, los visitantes, los 

transportistas, contratistas y proveedores que requieran entrar a las diferentes áreas 

activas del predio. 

II. ALCANCE 

Este procedimiento es aplicable a toda persona que se encuentre dentro de las 

instalaciones de Metales y Derivados, incluyendo al personal de trabajo de RIMSA, 

contratistas, proveedores, visitantes, auditores y operadores de transportes externos. 

Así como al transporte y disposición final de dichos residuos. 

III. DEFINICIONES 

a) Área Activa. Área de trabajo y manejo de residuos peligrosos, que en su caso 

interactúa maquinaria pesada o equipo de traslado de los residuos. 

b) Transporte. Se refiere al transporte del área activa al sitio de disposición final 

IV. RESPONSABILIDADES 

Gerente de proyecto Mantiene y solicita la revisión y cumplimiento de este procedimiento al 

Responsable de Seguridad. 

 

Nombre: Q.I. Patricia Tovar 

Gerente de Operación Responsable operativo en el sitio y Responsable de Seguridad. 

Coordina los servicios de remoción, carga y transporte de los 

residuos. 

Nombre: Q.I. Jaime Barranco 

Gerente Regional Responsable de operaciones regionales y Apoderado Legal. 

Nombre: Ing. Armando Barajas 

Supervisor Responsable de la coordinación de los operadores. 

Nombre: Sr. Carlos Americano 

Operadores Encargados de realizar las operaciones de remoción y carga de los 

residuos. 

Dos o tres personas. El personal varía. 

Transporte Encargados de transportar la carga del sitio a los patios de la Aduana. 

Nombre del transportista: 

Chofer de Express California. 

Nombre: Chofer de Transportes Mendías. 
 

RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V.

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Página 3 de 7 

V. REQUERIMIENTOS 

1 GENERALES 

1.1 Todo el personal de RIMSA que se encuentre laborando en el sitio de Metales y 

Derivados deberá usar los equipos de protección personal básico, además de lo 

indicado en las tablas del anexo “A” de este procedimiento; que han sido 

aprobados y suministrados por la empresa, para cumplir con ello sé mantendrán 

existencias de dichos implementos en el almacén de equipo de Seguridad. 

1.2 Los Contratistas proporcionarán a sus trabajadores los equipos de seguridad 

que RIMSA ha establecido para cada área, como protección personal. 

1.3 A los visitantes, inspectores, sé les prestará el equipo de Protección Personal 

requerido para el área a evaluar, previa solicitud del encargado de la atención 

de los mencionados, estos equipos al finalizar su uso serán sanitizados 

posteriormente. 

1.4 Los contratistas y operadores de camiones externos, deberán de presentar a la 

entrada sus equipos de protección personal básico, protección personal, según 

lo requieran en el área de carga. 

2 AREAS ACTIVAS 

2.1 Áreas activas son los sitios definidos donde se requiere equipo de protección 

personal específico y que se lista en el Anexo “A”. 

2.2 El equipo de protección personal usado en las áreas activas o calientes deberá 

ser desechado en depósitos debidamente identificados, ubicados en la zona de 

descanso, donde serán recolectados para su disposición final en celdas, a 

menos que este sea descontaminado para su re-uso, si es el caso. 

2.3 El personal interno a la entrada del turno deberá pasar por la zona de transición 

de cada área y colocarse los equipos de protección personal; a la salida del 

turno deberá pasar por la zona de transición a realizar aseo personal y dejar sus 

equipos de seguridad contaminados desechables en esta zona. 

3 PROTECCIÓN DE LA VISTA Y CARA:

3.1 La protección mínima requerida para los ojos la constituyen lentes tipo industrial 

con protectores laterales. 

3.2 No se permite el uso de lentes de contacto en ninguna de las áreas activas. 
 

RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V.

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Página 4 de 7 

4 PROTECCIÓN RESPIRATORIA 

4.1 Se utilizará media mascarilla con filtro. 

 Mascarilla: Respirator Half Facepiece (3M 6200 /07025) 

 Filtro: Filter P95 Particulate (3M 2071) 

5 PROTECCION DE LA CABEZA 

5.1 Cascos de seguridad se usaran por todo el personal en el interior del sitio. 

6 PROTECCIÓN DE LOS PIES 

6.1 Todos los trabajadores que laboren en áreas activas o en áreas donde existan 

riesgos para los pies, se proporcionaran zapatos con casquillo metálico y 

además la protección requerida. 

7 ROPA PROTECTORA 

7.1 Cualquier persona que entre a un área considerada como activa, deberá usar la 

protección de ropa (tyvek) que su actividad requiere conforme se indica en el 

Anexo “A”. 

7.2 Los tyvek se proporcionaran en cada turno y si es necesario su cambio durante 

la jornada se deberá disponer del equipo contaminado según lo menciona el 

punto2.2 de este procedimiento, y solicitar uno nuevo al Supervisor del área. 

7.3 Bajo ninguna circunstancia se permitirá a los trabajadores sacar del sitio los 

tyvek, para ello el personal trabajador deberá depositar el equipo contaminado 

de acuerdo a lo mencionado en el punto 2.3 de este procedimiento, en el área 

de descontaminación. 

7.4 Cualquier prenda (camisa o pantalón) que sea contaminada deberá ser 

cambiada de inmediato y desechada en el contenedor de residuos internos. 

8 ENTRENAMIENTO AL PERSONAL 

8.1 Todos los trabajadores deberán estar entrenados en el uso de los protectores 

personales que se le han suministrado, debiéndose mantener los registros 

respectivos y programas de reforzamiento. 
 

RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V.

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Página 5 de 7 

8.2 Todos los supervisores son responsables de que sus trabajadores conozcan y 

entiendan los alcances y limitaciones de los protectores personales 

suministrados. 

8.3 El Gerente de Operaciones del proyecto Metales y Derivados tiene la 

responsabilidad de entrenar adecuadamente al personal y de asignar a personal 

de nuevo ingreso el equipo de Protección Personal que requerirá en las áreas 

de trabajo. 

8.4 Todos los trabajadores deberán ser entrenados en la forma correcta de 

colocarse, quitarse, sanitizar los equipos y en el almacenamiento correcto de lo 

mismos y en su caso el método de disposición final. 

Cualquier situación no contemplada en el presente documento, deberá ser planteada al 

jefe de seguridad del proyecto Metales y Derivados para su análisis. En ausencia del 

Jefe de Seguridad, la situación deberá ser planteada a la Gerencia de Proyectos, en su 

ausencia a la Gerencia Regional y en ausencia de estos la decisión deberá ser 

analizada y tomada por dos Gerentes de las áreas involucradas documentando las 

acciones preventivas tomadas. 

Este procedimiento entra en vigor totalmente al momento de iniciarse los trabajos de 

remoción, carga y transporte de los residuos localizados en Metales y Derivados, el 22 

de Junio del 2004. 

 

Anexo “A” 

Área activa Respiratoria Cuerpo Manos Pies Ojos Cabeza Oídos Lumbar 

Carga y 

descarga 

Media 

mascarilla 

Tyvek Latex/ 

Carnaza 

Botas/ 

Casquillo 

Lentes Casco N.A. Faja 

Limpieza Media 

mascarilla 

Tyvek Latex Botas/ 

Casquillo 

Lentes Casco N.A. N.A. 

Transportista N.A. Tyvek N.A. Botas Lentes Casco N.A. N.A. 
 

RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V.

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Página 6 de 7 

TELEFONOS DE EMERGENCIA 

Toda emergencia deberá ser notificada al coordinador de emergencia de RIMSA y solo 

en caso de fuego o explosión a las autoridades correspondientes. 

Coordinador de emergencias (Titular) 

Q.I. Jaime Barranco Teléfonos (24 hrs) 

Gerente de operaciones Casa 664) 701 61 21 

 Móvil: 044 664) 658 01 75 

 Oficina: 664) 630 03 10 

 

Coordinador de emergencias (Alterno) 

Q.I. Patricia Tovar Teléfonos (24 hrs) 

Gerente de Proyectos Casa: 661) 613 63 06 

Móvil: 044 664) 658 86 45 

Oficina: 664) 630 03 10 

Coordinador de emergencias (Alterno) 

Q.I. Salvador Segovia Teléfonos (24 hrs) 

Químico de Aprobaciones Móvil: 044 664) 181 70 27 

 Oficina: 664) 630 03 10 

BOMBEROS CRUZ ROJA 

 066
 

RESIDUOS INDUSTRIALES MULTIQUIM, S.A DE C.V.

PROYECTO METALES Y DERIVADOS 

Página 7 de 7 

Constancia de Seguridad é Higiene. 

Por este medio declaro que he leído el Procedimiento de Operaciones y de Seguridad e 

Higiene del Proyecto de Metales y Derivados en el que estaré laborando. 

Así mismo confirmo que no me queda duda en tanto al manejo seguro de la operación. 

Dejo constancia de que se me entrenó en el uso adecuado del Equipo de Seguridad 

que estaré utilizando. 

De surgir alguna duda posterior a la firma de esta constancia, me comprometo a 

manifestarla a mi Supervisor ó Gerente de Operaciones para aclararla inmediatamente. 

Fecha: 

Nombre: 

Firma: 
Appendix D 

Photographic Log 
Metales y Derivados 

Photo Log 

Page 1 Summary Report

Appendix D

Photo 1: 

West side of the Metales 

site 

Before removal activities 

 

Photo 2: 

West side of the Metales 

site 

During SEMARNAT 

removal activities 

 

Photo 3: 

West side of the Metales 

site 

After SEMARNAT 

removal activities 

 
Metales y Derivados 

Photo Log 

Page 2 Summary Report

Appendix D

Photo 4: 

Waste drums area on the 

west side of the former 

processing area 

Before removal activities 

 

Photo 5: 

Waste drums area on the 

west side of the former 

processing area 

During EPA/Tetra Tech 

removal activities 

 

Photo 6: 

Waste drums area on the 

west side of the former 

processing area 

After EPA/Tetra Tech 

removal activities 

 
Metales y Derivados 

Photo Log 

Page 3 Summary Report

Appendix D

Photo 7: 

Waste sacks and drums 

area on the east side of the 

former processing area 

Before removal activities

 

Photo 8: 

Waste sacks and drums 

area on the east side of the 

former processing area 

During EPA/Tetra Tech 

removal activities 

 

Photo 9: 

Waste sacks and drums 

area on the east side of the 

former processing area 

After EPA/Tetra Tech 

removal activities 

 
Metales y Derivados 

Photo Log 

Page 4 Summary Report

Appendix D

Photo 10: 

RIMSA Health and Safety: 

Personal Protective 

Equipment 

 

Photo 11: 

Tetra Tech Health and 

Safety: Personal 

Protective Equipment 
Metales y Derivados 

Photo Log 

Page 5 Summary Report

Appendix D

Photo 12: 

Dust suppression 

procedures 

Photo 13: 

Waste loading procedures 
Metales y Derivados 

Photo Log 

Page 6 Summary Report

Appendix D

Photo 14: 

Large waste pile on the 

south side of the site 

Before excavation 

activities

Photo 15: 

Large waste pile on the 

south side of the site 

After H&H excavation 

activities

Photo 16: 

Waste mounds created by 

H&H along the north 

fence 
Appendix E 

Daily Subcontractor Reports 
Tetra Tech / EPA 

RIMSA 

Reporte Diario 

28 Julio 2004 

Se inicia la etapa de exportación de 200 toneladas de tierra contaminada con plomo el día 

28-Julio del 2004. 

1. Los operadores inician a colocarse el equipo de protección personal consistente en botas 

con casquillo de acero y antiderrapantes, cubre botas, overol tipo tyvek, casco de 

seguridad, lentes, media mascarilla con filtros para partículas y polvo, guantes de 

carnaza. 

2. Se procede a preparar el equipo para iniciar actividades, tal como la conexión de 

mangueras para humedecer el área a cargar al igual que quitar el liner del área. 

3. Arribo de retroexcavadora y end-dump al sitio. 

4. Se prepara el liner y se coloca en el end-dump antes de iniciar a cargar la tierra. 

5. Inicia la retroexcavadora a cargar el end-dump con previo rocío de agua para reducir al 

mínimo la generación de polvo. 

6. Se cubre totalmente el end-dump con una lona y se le colocan el rombo y la etiqueta de 

riesgo. 

7. Se le entrega la documentación al chofer. 

8. Se lleva a la báscula el end-dump para obtener el peso. 

9. Se deja el end-dump en la yarda del transportista para exportarse al siguiente día a las 

7:00 A.M. 

10. Los operadores proceden a quitar las mangueras y tapar con liner el área con tierra. 

11. Se quitan el equipo de protección personal y lo colocan en un tambo destinado para ello 

12. Se recoge todo el equipo y se cierra el sitio. 
Tetra Tech / EPA 

RIMSA 

Reporte Diario 

2 Agosto 2004 

Recolección de 20 toneladas de tierra el día lunes, 2 Agosto 2004. 

1. Los operadores inician a colocarse el equipo d protección personal consistente en botas 

con casquillo de acero y antiderrapantes, cubre botas, overol tipo tyvek, casco de 

seguridad, lentes, media mascarilla con filtros para partículas y polvo, guantes de 

carnaza. 

2. Se procede a preparar el equipo para iniciar actividades, tal como la conexión de 

mangueras para humedecer el área a cargar al igual que quitar el liner del área. 

3. Arribo de retroexcavadora y end-dump al sitio. 

4. Se prepara el liner y se coloca en el end-dump antes de iniciar a cargar la tierra. 

5. Inicia la retroexcavadora a cargar el end-dump con previo rocío de agua para reducir al 

mínimo la generación de polvo. 

6. Se cubre totalmente el end-dump con una lona y se le colocan el rombo y la etiqueta de 

riesgo. 

7. Se le entrega la documentación al chofer. 

8. Se lleva a la báscula el end-dump para obtener el peso. 

9. Se deja el end-dump en la yarda del transportista para exportarse al siguiente día, 

martes, 3 Agosto 2004 a las 7:00 A.M. 

10. Los operadores proceden a quitar las mangueras y tapar con liner el área con tierra. 

11. Se quitan el equipo de protección personal y lo colocan en un tambo destinado para ello 

12. Se recoge todo el equipo y se cierra el sitio. 
Tetra Tech / EPA 

RIMSA 

Reporte Diario 

4 Agosto 2004 

Recolección de tierra el día miércoles, 4 Agosto 2004. 

1. Los operadores inician a colocarse el equipo de protección personal consistente en botas 

con casquillo de acero y antiderrapantes, cubre botas, overol tipo tyvek, casco de 

seguridad, lentes, media mascarilla con filtros para partículas y polvo, guantes de 

carnaza. 

2. Se procede a preparar el equipo para iniciar actividades, tal como la conexión de 

mangueras para humedecer el área a cargar al igual que quitar el liner del área. 

3. Arribo de retroexcavadora y end-dump al sitio. 

4. Se prepara el liner y se coloca en el end-dump antes de iniciar a cargar la tierra. 

5. Inicia la retroexcavadora a cargar el end-dump con previo rocío de agua 

6. Se cubre totalmente el end-dump con una lona y se le colocan el rombo de riesgo y la 

etiqueta de residuo. 

7. Se le entrega la documentación al chofer. 

8. Se lleva el end-dump para obtener el peso. 

9. Se deja el end-dump en la yarda del transportista para exportarse al siguiente día, 

jueves, 5 Agosto 2004 a las 7:00 A.M. 

10. Los operadores proceden a quitar las mangueras y tapar con liner el área con tierra. 

11. Se quitan el equipo de protección personal y lo colocan en un tambo destinado para ello 

12. Se recoge todo el equipo y se cierra el sitio. 
Tetra Tech / EPA 

RIMSA 

Reporte Diario 

9 Agosto 2004 

Recolección de tierra el día lunes, 9 Agosto 2004. 

1. Los operadores inician a colocarse el equipo de protección personal consistente en botas 

con casquillo de acero y antiderrapantes, cubre botas, overol tipo tyvek, casco de 

seguridad, lentes, media mascarilla con filtros para partículas y polvo, guantes de 

carnaza. 

2. Se procede a preparar el equipo para iniciar actividades, tal como la conexión de 

mangueras para humedecer el área a cargar al igual que quitar el liner del área. 

3. Arribo de retroexcavadora y end-dump al sitio. 

4. Se prepara el liner y se coloca en el end-dump antes de iniciar a cargar la tierra. 

5. Inicia la retroexcavadora a cargar el end-dump con previo rocío de agua 

6. Se cubre totalmente el end-dump con una lona y se le colocan el rombo de riesgo y la 

etiqueta de residuo. 

7. Se le entrega la documentación al chofer. 

8. Se lleva el end-dump para obtener el peso. 

9. Se deja el end-dump en la yarda del transportista para exportarse al siguiente día, 

martes, 10 Agosto 2004 a las 7:00 A.M. 

10. Los operadores proceden a quitar las mangueras y tapar con liner el área con tierra. 

11. Se quitan el equipo de protección personal y lo colocan en un tambo destinado para ello 

12. Se recoge todo el equipo y se cierra el sitio. 

NOTA: Se inició a recolectar tierra del área denominada según el plano “Supersacks and 

drums”. 
Tetra Tech / EPA 

RIMSA 

Reporte Diario 

11 Agosto 2004 

Recolección de tierra el día miércoles, 11 Agosto 2004. 

1. Los operadores inician a colocarse el equipo de protección personal consistente en botas 

con casquillo de acero y antiderrapantes, cubre botas, overol tipo tyvek, casco de 

seguridad, lentes, media mascarilla con filtros para partículas y polvo, guantes de 

carnaza. 

2. Se procede a preparar el equipo para iniciar actividades, tal como la conexión de 

mangueras para humedecer el área a cargar al igual que quitar el liner del área. 

3. Arribo de retroexcavadora y end-dump al sitio. 

4. Se prepara el liner y se coloca en el end-dump antes de iniciar a cargar la tierra. 

5. Inicia la retroexcavadora a cargar el end-dump con previo rocío de agua 

6. Se cubre totalmente el end-dump con una lona y se le colocan el rombo de riesgo y la 

etiqueta de residuo. 

7. Se le entrega la documentación al chofer. 

8. Se lleva el end-dump para obtener el peso. 

9. Se deja el end-dump en la yarda del transportista para exportarse al siguiente día, 

jueves, 12 Agosto 2004 a las 7:00 A.M. 

10. Los operadores proceden a quitar las mangueras y tapar con liner el área con tierra. 

11. Se quitan el equipo de protección personal y lo colocan en un tambo destinado para ello 

12. Se recoge todo el equipo y se cierra el sitio. 

NOTA: Recolección de tierra del área denominada según el plano “Supersacks and 

drums”. 
Tetra Tech / EPA 

RIMSA 

Reporte Diario 

16 Agosto 2004 

Recolección de tierra el día lunes, 16 Agosto 2004. 

1. Los operadores inician a colocarse el equipo de protección personal consistente en botas 

con casquillo de acero y antiderrapantes, cubre botas, overol tipo tyvek, casco de 

seguridad, lentes, media mascarilla con filtros para partículas y polvo, guantes de 

carnaza. 

2. Se procede a preparar el equipo para iniciar actividades, tal como la conexión de 

mangueras para humedecer el área a cargar al igual que quitar el liner del área. 

3. Arribo de retroexcavadora y end-dump al sitio. 

4. Se prepara el liner y se coloca en el end-dump antes de iniciar a cargar la tierra. 

5. Inicia la retroexcavadora a cargar el end-dump con previo rocío de agua 

6. Se cubre totalmente el end-dump con una lona y se le colocan el rombo de riesgo y la 

etiqueta de residuo. 

7. Se le entrega la documentación al chofer. 

8. Se lleva el end-dump para obtener el peso. 

9. Se deja el end-dump en la yarda del transportista para exportarse al siguiente día, 

martes, 17 Agosto 2004 a las 7:00 A.M. 

10. Los operadores proceden a quitar las mangueras y tapar con liner el área con tierra. 

11. Se quitan el equipo de protección personal y lo colocan en un tambo destinado para ello 

12. Se recoge todo el equipo y se cierra el sitio. 

NOTA: Recolección de tierra del área denominada según el plano “Supersacks and 

drums”. 
Appendix F 

Hazardous Waste Manifests and Other Related Documents