HRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD COVER SHEET

Name of Site: Chemfax, Inc.

EPA ID No. MSD008154486

Contact Persons

Documentation Record: Jennifer L. Wendel

National Priorities List Coordinator

EPA Region 4

61 Forsyth Street

Atlanta, Georgia 30303
1

HRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD

Name of Site: Chemfax, Inc. Date Prepared: December 1992

EPA Region: 4 Date Revised: March 2012

Street Address of Site*: Three Rivers Road and Creosote Road

City, County, State, Zip Code: Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi 39505

General Location in the State: South

Topographic Map: Gulfport North, Mississippi

Latitude: 30.428888 North

Longitude: -89.089166 West 

 

*The street address, coordinates, and contaminant locations presented in this HRS documentation record 

identify the general area the site is located. They represent one or more locations EPA considers to be part of 

the site based on the screening information EPA used to evaluate the site for NPL listing. EPA lists national 

priorities among the known "releases or threatened releases" of hazardous substances; thus, the focus is on the 

release, not precisely delineated boundaries. A site is defined as where a hazardous substance has been 

"deposited, stored, placed, or otherwise come to be located." Generally, HRS scoring and the subsequent 

listing of a release merely represent the initial determination that a certain area may need to be addressed under 

CERCLA. Accordingly, EPA contemplates that the preliminary description of facility boundaries at the time 

of scoring will be refined as more information is developed as to where the contamination has come to be 

located.

Scores

Air Pathway 76.80

Ground Water Pathway Not Scored

Soil Exposure Pathway Not Scored

Surface Water Pathway Not Scored

HRS SITE SCORE 38.40

 
2

WORKSHEET FOR COMPUTING HRS SITE SCORE

 S S2 

1. Ground Water Migration Pathway Score (Sgw) NS 

2a. Surface Water Overland/Flood Migration Component

(from Table 4-1, line 30)

 NS

2b. Ground Water to Surface Water Migration Component

(from Table 4-25, line 28)

 NS

2c. Surface Water Migration Pathway Score (Ssw)

Enter the larger of lines 2a and 2b as the pathway score.

 NS 

3. Soil Exposure Pathway Score (Ss)

(from Table 5-1, line 22)

 NS 

4. Air Migration Pathway Score (Sa)

(from Table 6-1, line 12)

 76.80 5898.24 

5. Total of Sgw

2 + Ssw2 + Ss2 + Sa2 5898.24

6. HRS Site Score

Divide the value on line 5 by 4 and take the square root

 38.40
3

HRS Table 6-1 Air Migration Pathway Scoresheet

Factor Categories and Factors

Maximum

Value

Value

Assigned

Likelihood of Release:

1. Observed Release 550 550

2. Potential to Release:

 2a. Gas Potential to Release 500 NS

 2b. Particulate Potential to Release 500 NS

 2c. Potential to Release (higher of lines 2a and 2b) 500 NS

3. Likelihood of Release (higher of lines 1 and 2c) 550 550

Waste Characteristics:

4. Toxicity/Mobility (a) 2000

5. Hazardous Waste Quantity (a) 100

6. Waste Characteristics 100 18

Targets:

7. Nearest Individual 50 50

8. Population:

 8a. Level I Concentrations (b) 590

 8b. Level II Concentrations (b) 0

 8c. Potential Contamination (b) NS

 8d. Population (lines 8a + 8b + 8c) (b) 590

9. Resources 5 0

10. Sensitive Environments

 10a. Actual Contamination (c) NS

 10b. Potential Contamination (c) NS

 10c. Sensitive Environments (Lines 10a + 10b) (c) NS

11. Targets (lines 7 + 8d + 9 + 10c) (b) 640

Air Migration Pathway Score

12. Pathway Score (Sa), [(lines 3 x 6 x 11)/82,500]d 100 76.80

a

Maximum value applies to waste characteristics category.

b

Maximum value not applicable.

c

No specific maximum value applies to factor. However, pathway score 

based solely on sensitive environments is limited to maximum of 60.

d

Do not round to nearest integer.




8

REFERENCES

Ref.

No. Description of the Reference

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Hazard Ranking System, 55 FR 51533, 

December 14, 1990. A complete copy of the HRS can be found online at 

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsres/index.htm. Excerpt. 1 page.

2. USEPA. Superfund Chemical Data Matrix (SCDM). January 2004 and December 2, 2011. A 

complete copy of SCDM can be obtained online at 

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsres/tools/scdm.htm. Excerpt. 12 pages.

3. USEPA. EPA Superfund Record of Decision: Chemfax, Inc., EPA ID: MSD008154486, OU1, 

Gulfport, MS. EPA/ROD/R04-03-079. November 21, 2002. 124 pages.

4. Environmental Management Services, Inc. Site Characterization Report, Chemfax, Inc. Site, Three 

Rivers Road, Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi. Prepared for Mississippi Department of 

Environmental Quality and USEPA, Region 4. October 5, 2009. 58 pages.

5. Estes, G.E. Jr., of Estes and Estes, P.A., Attorneys at Law. Letter to CERCLA Docket Office, 

Headquarters, USEPA. Subject: Proposed Superfund Site at Chemfax, Inc., Gulfport, MS., with 

attachments. June 20, 1994. 15 pages.

6. Hazclean Environmental Consultants, Inc. Letter to CERCLA Docket Office, Headquarter, 

USEPA. Subject: Proposed Superfund Site at Chemfax, Inc., Gulfport, Mississippi, with 

attachments. February 18, 1994. 15 pages.

7. USEPA. Pollution Report #5 and Final. From Roberta M. Runge, On-Scene Coordinator, USEPA 

Region IV to Doug Lair, Branch Chief. Subject: Chemfax, Harrison County, Gulfport, Miss. 

December 27, 1999. 5 pages.

8-11. References Reserved.

12. NUS Corporation, Superfund Division, “Final Expanded Site Investigation Report, Chemfax, Inc., 

Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi, Vol. I,” Revision 0, Prepared under TDD No. F4-8911-

102 for the Waste Management Division of the EPA (September 1991). 30 pages, Appendix A, 

32 pages, Tables 6-17; Appendix B, 8 pages, Figures 1-8; Appendix F, 495 pages.

13. Reference Reserved.

14. NUS Corporation, Superfund Division, “Final Expanded Site Investigation Report, Chemfax, Inc., 

Gulfport, Harrision County, Mississippi, Vol. II: Air Study, “ Revision 0, Prepared under TDD 

No. F4-8911-102 for the Waste Management Division of the EPA (September 1991). 20 pages; 

Appendix A, 4 pages; Appendix B, 42 pages.
9

15. NUS Corporation Field Logbook No. F4-2286 for Chemfax, Inc., TDD No. F4-8911-102. 

Documentation of RHRS data collection, June 4-6, 1990. 18 pages.

16. Surface Water Migration Pathway Map. U.S. Geological Survey, 7.5-minute series Topographic 

Quadrangle Maps of Mississippi: Gulfport North 1954 (Photorevised 1985), Biloxi 1954 

(Photorevised 1970, 1976), scale 1:24,000. 1 map.

17. Reference Reserved.

18. NUS Corporation, Superfund Division, “Final Site Screening Investigation Report, Chemfax, Inc., 

Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi, “ Revision 1, Prepared under TDD No. F4-8804-31 for 

the Waste Management Division of the EPA (April 1989). 32 pages.

19-20. References Reserved.

21. Cynthia K. Gurley, B & V Waste Science and Technology Corporation, Calculations generated by 

using James E. Brady and John R. Holum, “Ideal Gas Law,” Fundamentals of Chemistry, 2nd ed., 

pp. 272-275 (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1984). 8 pages.

22. Brooke Bittinger, NUS Corporation, telephone conversation with Rhonda Dingman, 

Administrative Assistant, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, October 10, 1990. Subject: The 

number of employees at Chemfax, Inc. 1 page.

23. Reference Reserved.

24. U.S. Department of Commerce, Proof Copy of table generated for 1990, CPH-1: Summary 

population and housing characteristics, issued by Bureau of Census (April 1991). 1 page.

25. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Graphical Exposure Modeling System (GEMS) Data 

Base, compiled from U.S. Bureau of the Census data (1980). 1 page.

26. U.S. Geological Survey, 7.5-minute series Topographic Quadrangle Maps of Mississippi: 

Gulfport NW 1956 (Photorevised 1985), Gulfport North 1954 (PR 1985), Gulfport South 1954 

(PR 1986), scale 1:24,000. 1 map.

27. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Coast Ecological Inventory, Mobile 1982, scale 1:250,000. 

11 pages, 1 map.

27A. Reference Reserved.

28-29. References Reserved.

30. Brooke Bittinger, NUS Corporation, telephone conversation with Susan Spears, Assistant to the 

County Engineer, City of Gulfport Engineering, Gebruary 13, 1991. Subject: The Location of any 

Surface Water Intakes off of Bernard Bayou, Big Lake or Back Bay. 1 page.

31-38. References Reserved.
10

39. NUS Corporation Field Logbook No. F4-2317 for Chemfax, Inc., TDD No. F4-9001-85. 

Documentation of air sampling, May 30, 1990 – June 5, 1990. 18 pages.

40. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Compendium Method TO-14, The Determination of 

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Ambient Air using Summa Passivated Canister Sampling 

and Gas Chromatographic Analysis, from Quality Assurance Division, Environmental Monitoring 

Systems Laboratory, May 1988. 122 pages.

41. Cynthia K. Gurley, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, telephone conversation with Gigi 

Rainer, Information Specialist, Harrison County Development Commission, November 17, 1992. 

Subject: The number of employees at the Alpine Masonite Company. 1 page.

42. Gary Bennett, Chemist, U.S. Environmental Services Division. Memorandum to Al Hanke, Chief, 

Site Assessment Section, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, November 30, 1992. Subject: 

Qualified Analytical Data Used for Chemfax, Inc. 3 pages.
11

1.0 SITE DESCRIPTION

Chemfax, Inc. (Chemfax) is composed of five identified sources on the Chemfax, Inc. facility property, 

along with an observed release to air. The Chemfax facility is an inactive and abandoned 11-acre facility 

located in an industrial section of Harrison County just north of Gulfport, Mississippi. See Figures 1 and 2 

of this HRS documentation record. The facility manufactured synthetic hydrocarbon resins and waxes 

from 1955 until 1995. The primary operation was a paraffin blending process in which different grades of 

paraffin wax were heated to a liquid state, blended and then cooled with water (Ref. 12, p. 3). The cooling 

water reportedly did not come into contact with the wax (Ref. 12, p. 3); however, samples collected from 

a cooling water pond during a 1988 sampling investigation at the facility contained a number of volatile 

and semi-volatile organic compounds (Ref. 18, Tables 1 and 4). A 1990 sampling investigation also 

documented an area of contaminated soil at the facility in which volatile and semi-volatile organic 

compounds were detected. This area of contaminated soil was located a few hundred feet to the north and 

northwest of the cooling pond (Ref. 12, pp. 16, 17, Table 8, Figure 5).The cooling pond and the area of 

contaminated soil are scored as Sources 1 and 2, respectively.

During the 1990 sampling investigation, air samples were collected at the facility and an observed release 

to air was documented based on these samples (Ref. 14, Figure 1; See section 6.1.1 of this HRS 

documentation record). Three additional sources were identified by Chemfax as releasing vapors to air at 

the time of the air sampling (Ref. 5, p. 7); these three sources, the spill, drip pan and molten resin 

processing area, are scored as Sources 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The hazardous substances found in the 

observed release samples were benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, styrene, total xylenes and naphthalene. In 

addition, several of the contaminant concentrations were above HRS-designated health-based benchmarks 

for air, and workers were scored as exposed to Level I contaminant levels (See Section 6.1.1 of this HRS 

documentation record). At some point between June 1993 and January 1994, Chemfax backfilled the 

cooling pond with soil (Ref. 6, pp. 3, 4). Operations at the facility ceased in 1995 (Ref. 7, p. 1).

Field work for a Remedial Investigation (RI) and Supplemental Ground Water Characterization was 

conducted by the EPA in January 1995 and March 1999, respectively. The RI report was finalized in 

January 1996 and the Feasibility Study (FS) was finalized in April 2000. A baseline risk assessment for 

human health was also included as part of the FS, and was finalized in April 2000. An Addendum to the 

FS was finalized on June 7, 2000, which addressed some additional issues not included as part of the April 

2000 document (Ref. 3, p. 8).

As part of the Feasibility Study, the EPA conducted a facility visit in December 1998. This visit revealed 

that the facility was easily accessible to trespassers, many drums were stored on the property, and the 

buildings were occupied by transients. Chemfax was therefore assessed under Superfund’s removal 

authority, which is intended to address short-term threats to public health and the environment (Ref. 3, p. 

8). Based on the available data, EPA conducted a time-critical removal action at the Chemfax facility from 

July 1999 to November 1999. The purpose of this removal was to address imminent threats posed by the 

facility. At that time, approximately 195 tons of drummed contaminated soils; 52,258 gallons of 

hazardous waste from above-ground storage tanks; additional contaminated soils from around the tank 

farms; and a number of buried drums of waste paraffin, wax and oil were removed (Ref. 7, pp. 1-3). 
12

A Record of Decision (ROD) was published by the EPA in 2002. The ROD detailed remedial actions to 

address long-term threats posed by Chemfax to human health and the environment. The major components 

of the remedy outlined in the ROD include:

• Excavation of contaminated soils and sediments from areas exceeding cleanup standards;

• Backfilling of excavated areas with clean soil;

• Off-site disposal of excavated soils and sediments at an approved facility;

• Extraction of contaminated ground water, treatment by physical and/or chemical means, discharge 

to surface water;

• Continuation of ground water remediation until performance standards are met;

• Institutional controls to restrict land use during remediation; 

• Control of fugitive dust emissions and surface water runoff during remediation (Ref. 3, pp. 1, 3).

In 2009, a Site Characterization sampling investigation was conducted at Chemfax on behalf of the 

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and EPA (Ref. 4). The purpose of the 

additional work was to evaluate the current characterization of contaminants in soils and ground water, 

develop aquifer characterization data and compare the results to those of previous investigations (Ref. 4, 

p. 1). The results of this investigation revealed remaining contamination with volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in soil and shallow ground water at the Site (Ref. 

4, pp. 6, 9, Tables 4, 5). As a result of the supplemental data obtained, the EPA is currently amending the 

2002 ROD. 
13

2.2 SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION

2.2.1 SOURCE IDENTIFICATION

Name of source: Cooling pond Number of source: 1

Source Type: Surface impoundment

Description and Location of Source (with reference to a map of the site): The water in the cooling pond is 

used to cool paraffin wax after it is blended. The water does not come into contact with the wax. This 

pond has a clay bottom (Ref. 12, p. 11). The type of clay bottom is not documented. The cooling pond 

(source) is limited to the water placed in the pond. 

The cooling pond is located on the south portion of the site (Ref. 12, Appendix B, p. 3). (See Figure 2 of 

this HRS documentation record.) The cooling pond was not removed during the 1999 response action 

(Refs. 3, App. D, p. 2; 7, pp, 1-3). 

Containment

Gas containment: The description of the “abatement” conducted by Chemfax on the cooling pond states 

that the pond was backfilled to grade, but there is no mention of the contaminated contents having been 

removed first (Ref. 6, pp. 3, 4). On this basis, it is estimated that uncontaminated soil cover could be 

between 1 and 3 feet. Conservatively, it is assumed that the soil could be heavily vegetated, given the 

inactive and abandoned status of the site, but the cover soil type is unknown. These conditions, applied to 

HRS Table 6-3, result in a gas containment value of 7 for the air pathway (Ref. 1, p. 51652).

Particulate containment: Based on the description of estimated post-abatement conditions provided above, 

the particulate containment value from HRS Table 6-9 is 7 (Ref. 1, p. 51653).

Hazardous Substances

Hazardous Substance Evidence Sample Type Reference

Naphthalene 200,000 ug/kg CF-SD-15 12, App. F, p. 2

2-Methylnaphthalene 27,000 ug/kg CF-SD-15 12, App. F, p. 2

Calcium 1,700 mg/kg CF-SD-16 12, App. F, p. 248

Copper 12 mg/kg CF-SD-16 12, App. F, p. 248

Iron 7100J mg/kg CF-SD-16 12, App. F, p. 248

Lead 28 mg/kg CF-SD-16 12, App. F, p. 248

Manganese 31 mg/kg CF-SD-16 12, App. F, p. 248

Mercury 0.43J mg/kg CF-SD-15 12, App. F, p. 1; 42

Nickel 3.7 mg/kg CF-SD-16 12, App. F, p. 248

Zinc 160 mg/kg CF-SD-15 12, App. F, p. 1

Benzene 17 ug/l CF-SW-05 18, App. A, p. 1

Toluene 90 ug/l CF-SW-05 18, App. A, p. 1

Ethyl benzene 75 ug/l CF-SW-05 18, App. A, p. 1

Xylene 160 ug/l CF-SW-05 18, App. A, p. 1

Styrene 290 ug/l CF-SW-05 18, App. A, p. 1

SD - Sediment SW – Surface Water CF - Chemfax J – Estimated Value
14 Source Characterization

2.4.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE QUANTITY

2.4.2.1.1. Hazardous Constituent Quantity

Description

No information on Constituent Quantity was available.

Hazardous Constituent Quantity Assigned Value: NA

2.4.2.1.2. Hazardous Wastestream Quantity

Description

No data was available on wastestream quantity.

Hazardous Wastestream Quantity Assigned Value: NA

2.4.2.1.3. Volume

Description

The estimated dimensions of the cooling pond are 5 ft x 30 ft x 200 ft (Ref. 15, p. 9).

CALCULATION

30,000 ft3

 or 1,111 yd3

Sum (yd3

/gal): 1,111 yd3

Equation for Assigning Value (Ref. 1, Table 2-5): 1,111 yd3

 / 2.5 = 444

Volume Assigned Value: 444

2.4.2.1.4. Area

Description

Not evaluated

Area Assigned Value: 0

2.4.2.1.5. Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value

Highest assigned value assigned from Ref. 1, Table 2-5: 444
15 Source Characterization

2.2 SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION

2.2.1 SOURCE IDENTIFICATION

Name of source: Contaminated soil Number of source: 2

Source Type: Contaminated soil

Description and Location of Source (with reference to a map of the site): An area of contaminated soil has 

been delineated on the site. (Ref. 12, Appendix F; 18, Appendix A). (See Figures 3 and 4 of this HRS 

documentation record.) Each of the samples used to delineate the area of contaminated soil include: CFSS-02, CF-SS-04, CF-SS-07, CF-SS-14, CF-SS-15.

A small portion of the contaminated soil area was excavated during the 1999 response action (Ref. 3, 

Appen. D, p. 2); this portion is accounted for in the hazardous waste quantity evaluation.

Containment

Gas and Particulate release to air

Situation not listed (Ref. 1, Tables 6-3, 6-9, pp. 51652, 51653).

VALUE: 10

Hazardous Substances

Hazardous Substance Evidence Sample Type Reference

Naphthalene 68,000 ug/kg CF-SS-02 12, App. F, p. 297

800 ug/kg CF-SS-04 12, App. F, p. 3

7500 ug/kg CF-SS-07 12, App. F, p. 316

1300 ug/kg CF-SS-14 12, App. F, p. 5

2800 ug/kg CF-SS-15 12, App. F, p. 345

Xylene 39,000 ug/kg CF-SS-02 12, App. F, p. 295

340 ug/kg CF-SS-15 12, App. F, p. 343

Styrene 1500J ug/kg CF-SS-02 12, App. F, p. 295

Ethyl benzene 1400 ug/kg CF-SS-02 12, App. F, p. 295

22 ug/kg CF-SS-15 12, App. F, p. 343

SS – Surface Soil CF – Chemfax, Inc. J – Estimated Value
16 Source Characterization

2.4.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE QUANTITY

2.4.2.1.4. Area

Description

Contaminated soil is located on the Chemfax property. There is an approximately 34,596 ft2 area of 

contaminated soil (Ref. 12, Appendix F; 18, Appendix A). (See Figures 3 and 4 of this HRS 

documentation record.)

Sum (ft2

): 34,596

(Refs. 1, Table 2-5; 12, Appendix F; 18, Appendix A) 

During the 1999 time-critical removal action, an estimated 70-by-50-foot area of this contaminated soil 

area was excavated and removed (Refs. 3, Appendix D, p. 2; 7). However, because the specific location 

and precision of this latter estimate is unknown, the area of Source 2 is considered as unknown but greater 

than zero.

Area Assigned Value: >0

2.4.2.1.5. Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value

Highest assigned value assigned from Ref. 1, Table 2-5: >0
17 Source Characterization

2.2 SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION

2.2.1 SOURCE IDENTIFICATION

Name of source: Spill of raw feedstock Number of source: 3

Source Type: Other

Description and Location of Source (with reference to a map of the site): A spill of raw feedstock occurred 

while the 1990 sampling investigation was ongoing; it occurred in the vicinity of air sampling stations CFAT-03 and CF-AT-04 (Ref. 5, pp. 7, 11, 13, 14). Chemfax referred to the spill as “the liter or so of raw 

feedstock that sometimes spills when a hose is disconnected that has not been properly purged, or when a 

valve is not properly closed when the charging process is begun” (Ref. 5, p. 7). Because the liquid phase 

could have been at least partially contained in the drip pan (Ref. 5, p. 7), its location is expected to have 

been in the immediate vicinity of air sample location CF-AT-04 (Ref. 5, p. 13, Exhibit B). This is shown 

on Figure 2 of this HRS documentation record.

While this source is currently no longer present, it was identified as releasing hazardous substances to air 

at the time of the air sampling study (see section 2.2.2 of this HRS documentation record, below), 

therefore, it is included as a scored source.

2.2.2 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOURCE

Chemfax described the quantity of the spill as “sufficient to be detected by the air sampling equipment,” 

and stated “that process vapors were actually sampled” by the 1990 air sampling stations adjacent to the 

cooling pond (Ref. 5, p. 7). Therefore, the hazardous substances in the observed release to air are 

associated with this source. Please see section 6.1.1 of this HRS documentation record for the background 

and observed release samples that document the release. The hazardous substances are shown below.

List of Hazardous Substances Associated with Source

Benzene

Toluene

Ethyl benzene

Styrene

Total xylenes

Naphthalene

2.2.3 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AVAILABLE TO A PATHWAY

Containment Description

Containment 

Factor Value References

Gas release to air: Due to the nature of the spill, no containment 

features, such as a gas collection system or cover, are associated 

with it. According to Chemfax’s acknowledgement, vapors from 

the spill were detected in the air samples used to document the 

10 Refs. 1, Table 

6-3, p. 51652; 

5, p. 7.
18 Source Characterization

Containment Description

Containment 

Factor Value References

observed release. These conditions fit the Table 6-3 category of 

“All situations except those specifically listed below.”

Particulate release to air: Based on the description provided above, 

the category from Table 3-9 of “All situations except those 

specifically listed below” applies.

10 Refs. 1, Table 

6-9, p. 51653; 

5, p. 7

Release to ground water: NS

Release via overland migration and/or flood: NS

Notes:

NS Not Scored

2.4.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE QUANTITY

2.4.2.1.1. Hazardous Constituent Quantity

Description

The information available is not sufficient to adequately support evaluation of the hazardous constituent 

quantity.

Hazardous Constituent Quantity Assigned Value: NS

2.4.2.1.2. Hazardous Wastestream Quantity

Description

The spill is described by Chemfax as approximately one liter; one liter converts to approximately 0.264 

gallon (common metric to standard conversion). In accordance with HRS Table 2-5 (Ref. 1, p. 51591), 

one gallon equals approximately ten pounds. Therefore, 0.264 gallon equals 2.64 pounds.

Sum (pounds): 2.64

Sum of Wastestream Quantity/5,000 (Ref. 1, Table 2-5): 2.64 / 5000 = 0.000528

Hazardous Wastestream Quantity Assigned Value: 0.000528
19 Source Characterization

2.4.2.1.3. Volume

Description

Not evaluated (Ref. 1, p. 51591).

Volume Assigned Value: NS

2.4.2.1.4. Area

Description

Not evaluated (Ref. 1, p. 51591).

Area Assigned Value: NS

2.4.2.1.5. Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value

Highest assigned value assigned from Ref. 1, Table 2-5: 0.000528
20 Source Characterization

2.2 SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION

2.2.1 SOURCE IDENTIFICATION

Name of source: Drip pan Number of source: 4

Source Type: Other

Description and Location of Source (with reference to a map of the site): Chemfax stated that spills of raw 

feedstock (please see source description for Source 3) are “usually contained within the drip pan provided 

for that purpose” (Ref. 5, p. 7).It is noted that the use of the word “usually” suggests that feedstock also, at 

some frequency, spills outside of the drip pan. According to Exhibit B of Reference 5, p. 13, the drip pan 

was located near air sample station CF-AT-04. Please also see Figure 2 of this HRS documentation record.

While this source is currently no longer present, it was identified as releasing hazardous substances to air 

at the time of the air sampling study (see section 2.2.2 of this HRS documentation record, below), 

therefore, it is included as a scored source.

2.2.2 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOURCE

Chemfax’s reference to the quantity of the spill as “sufficient to be detected by the air sampling 

equipment,” also applies to this source as the spilled material was partially contained within this source 

(Ref. 5, p. 7). Therefore, the hazardous substances in the observed release to air are associated with this 

source. Please see section 6.1.1 of this HRS documentation record for the background and observed 

release samples that document the release. The hazardous substances are shown below.

List of Hazardous Substances Associated with Source

Benzene

Toluene

Ethyl benzene

Styrene

Total xylenes

Naphthalene

2.2.3 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AVAILABLE TO A PATHWAY

Containment Description

Containment 

Factor Value References

Gas release to air: Because during its operational period the drip 

pan received spills from Chemfax’s operations area, it is expected 

that it was open, without cover, and it was located in the open, in 

the vicinity of the air sampling stations. The category of HRS 

Table 6-3 to which this corresponds is “All situations except those 

specifically listed below.”

10 Refs. 1, Table 

6-3, p. 51652; 

5, pp. 7, 13.
21 Source Characterization

Containment Description

Containment 

Factor Value References

Particulate release to air: Based on the description provided above, 

the category from Table 3-9 of “All situations except those 

specifically listed below” applies.

10 Ref. 1, Table 

6-9, p. 51653; 

5, pp. 7, 13

Release to ground water:NS

Release via overland migration and/or flood:NS

Notes: NS Not Scored

2.4.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE QUANTITY

2.4.2.1.1. Hazardous Constituent Quantity

Description

The information available is not sufficient to adequately support evaluation of the hazardous constituent 

quantity.

Hazardous Constituent Quantity Assigned Value: NS

2.4.2.1.2. Hazardous Wastestream Quantity

Description

No information is available to evaluate wastestream quantity.

Hazardous Wastestream Quantity Assigned Value: NS

2.4.2.1.3. Volume

Description

The volume of the pan is unknown; based on Chemfax’s description that it contains spills, it is expected to 

be greater than zero (Ref. 5, p. 7).

Volume Assigned Value: >0
22 Source Characterization

2.4.2.1.4. Area

Description: Not evaluated.

Area Assigned Value: 0

2.4.2.1.5. Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value

Highest assigned value assigned from Ref. 1, Table 2-5: >0
23 Source Characterization

2.2 SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION

2.2.1 SOURCE IDENTIFICATION

Name of source: Molten Resin Processing Area Number of source: 5

Source Type: Other

Description and Location of Source (with reference to a map of the site): During the time the air sampling 

study was being conducted, Chemfax stated that the process area was in use, and molten resins were being 

pumped through filters in the area (Ref. 5, pp. 7, 11, 14) Reference 5, page 13, Exhibit B shows the 

location of this area as being in the immediate vicinity of CF-AT-04 and the drip pan. See also Figure 2 of 

this HRS documentation record.

While this source is currently no longer present, it was identified as releasing hazardous substances to air 

at the time of the air sampling study (see section 2.2.2 of this HRS documentation record, below), 

therefore, it is included as a scored source.

2.2.2 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOURCE

Chemfax stated that “[m]olten resins necessarily release considerably more vapor than resins and 

distillates at ambient temperatures,” and that these vapors were reflected in the air sampling results of the 

1990 air sampling stations adjacent to the cooling pond (Ref. 5, pp. 7, 11, 14). On this basis, the 

hazardous substances in the observed release to air are associated with this source. Please see section 6.1.1 

of this HRS documentation record for the background and observed release samples that document the 

release. The hazardous substances are shown below.

List of Hazardous Substances Associated with Source

Benzene

Toluene

Ethyl benzene

Styrene

Total xylenes

Naphthalene

2.2.3 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AVAILABLE TO A PATHWAY

Containment Description

Containment 

Factor Value References

Gas release to air: Because this source was stated by Chemfax to 

be releasing vapor, and was located in the open adjacent to the air 

sampling stations, no containment features such as cover or gas 

collection system were associated with it. The category of HRS 

Table 6-3 to which this corresponds is “All situations except those 

10 Refs. 1, Table 

6-3, p. 51652; 

5, pp. 7, 13.
24 Source Characterization

Containment Description

Containment 

Factor Value References

specifically listed below.”

Particulate release to air: Based on the description provided above, 

the category from Table 3-9 of “All situations except those 

specifically listed below” applies

10 Ref. 1, Table 

6-9, p. 51653; 

5, pp. 7, 13

Release to ground water:NS

Release via overland migration and/or flood:NS

Notes:

NS Not Scored

2.4.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE QUANTITY

2.4.2.1.1. Hazardous Constituent Quantity

Description

The information available is not sufficient to adequately support evaluation of the hazardous constituent 

quantity.

Hazardous Constituent Quantity Assigned Value: NS

2.4.2.1.2. Hazardous Wastestream Quantity

Description

Although hazardous substances are known to be associated with this source, no information is available on 

which to base a hazardous waste quantity estimate. Therefore, its hazardous waste quantity is assigned as 

unknown but greater than zero.

Hazardous Wastestream Quantity Assigned Value: >0

2.4.2.1.3. Volume

Description

No information available.

Volume Assigned Value: NS
25 Source Characterization

2.4.2.1.4. Area

Description

No information available.

Area Assigned Value: NS

2.4.2.1.5. Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value

Highest assigned value assigned from Ref. 1, Table 2-5: >0
``

26 Source Characterization

SUMMARY OF SOURCE DESCRIPTIONS

Source 

No.

Source 

Hazardous

Waste 

Quantity

Value

Source 

Hazardous 

Constituent 

Quantity 

Complete? 

(Y/N)

Containment Factor Value by Pathway

Ground Water 

(GW)

(Ref. 1, Table 

3-2)

Surface Water (SW) Air

Overland/flood

(Ref. 1, Table 4-2)

GW to SW

(Ref. 1, Table 3-2)

Gas

(Ref. 1, Table 6-3)

Particulate 

(Ref. 1, Table 6-9)

1 444 N NS NS NS 7 7

2 >0 N NS NS NS 10 10

3 0.000528 N NS NS NS 10 10

4 >0 N NS NS NS 10 10

5 >0 N NS NS NS 10 10
27 AIR-Likelihood of Release

6.0 AIR MIGRATION PATHWAY

6.1 LIKELIHOOD OF RELEASE

6.1.1 OBSERVED RELEASE

Direct Observation

Direct observation is not evaluated.

Chemical Analysis

- Background Concentrations:

Sample ID Date Start/Stop Time Sampling Inlet 

Height above 

Ground (inches)

Reference(s)

CF-AT-01 5-31-90 8:38 am/12:35pm 26.75 39, p. 18

CF-AT-02 5-31-90 8:41am/12:37pm 26 39, p. 18

Sample ID Hazardous Substance Concentration 

(ppbv)

Sample 

Quantitation Limit 

(ppbv)

Reference(s)

CF-AT-01 Benzene ND 0.48U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 4

Toluene 0.90 NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 4

Ethyl benzene 0.16J NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 4

Styrene 0.07J NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 4

Total xylenes ND 0.90U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 4

Naphthalene ND 0.30U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 5

CF-AT-02 Benzene ND 0.44U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 6

Toluene ND 0.70U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 6

Ethyl benzene 0.37 NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 6

Styrene ND 0.40U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 6
28 AIR-Likelihood of Release

Total xylenes ND 1.4U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 6

Naphthalene 2.40 NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 7

Notes:

ND Not Detected

- Contaminated Samples:

Sample ID Date Start/Stop Time Sampling Inlet 

Height above 

Ground (inches)

Reference(s)

CF-AT-03 5-31-90 8:43 am/12:40pm 26.25 39, p. 18

CF-AT-04 5-31-90 8:45am/12:39pm 26 39, p. 18

CF-AT-05 5-31-90 8:52am/12:38pm 27.5 39, p. 18

Sample ID Hazardous Substance Concentration 

(ppbv)

Sample 

Quantitation Limit 

(ppbv)

Reference(s)

CF-AT-03 Benzene 14 0.48U/0.44U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 2

Toluene 17 0.70U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 2

Ethyl benzene 44 NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 2

Styrene 120 0.40U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 2

Total xylenes 95 1.4U/0.90U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 2

Naphthalene 12 0.30U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 3

CF-AT-04 Benzene 18 0.48U/0.44U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 1

Toluene 18 0.70U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 1

Ethyl benzene 22 NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 1

Styrene 62 0.40U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 1

Total xylenes 45 1.4U 14, p. 10; App. B, 
29 AIR-Likelihood of Release

Sample ID Hazardous Substance Concentration 

(ppbv)

Sample 

Quantitation Limit 

(ppbv)

Reference(s)

p. 1

Naphthalene 8.8 0.30U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 8

CF-AT-05 Toluene 3.6 0.7U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 9

Ethyl benzene 7.3 NA 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 9

Styrene 23 0.40U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 9

Total xylenes 17 1.4U/0.9U 14, p. 10; App. B, 

p. 9

Level I & II Samples

Sample ID: CF-AT-03

Reference for Benchmarks: 2, 21

Hazardous 

Substance Mol. wt.

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration

Benchmark Benchmark Level

Benzene 78.12 0.0447 mg/m3 0.00031 mg/m3* Level I

Toluene 92.15 0.0641 mg/m3 5.2 mg/m3** Level II

Ethyl benzene 106.17 0.1910 mg/m3 0.00097 mg/m3* Level I

Styrene 104.16 0.5112 mg/m3 1.0 mg/m3** Level II

Total xylenes 106.17 0.4125 mg/m3 0.1 mg/m3** Level I

Naphthalene 128.19 0.06291 mg/m3 0.000072 mg/m3* Level I

* = Cancer risk benchmark

** = Non-cancer risk benchmark

Level I & II Samples

Sample ID: CF-AT-04

Reference for Benchmarks: 2, 21

Hazardous 

Substance Mol. wt.

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration

Benchmark Benchmark Level

Benzene 78.12 0.0575 mg/m3 0.00031 mg/m3* Level I

Toluene 92.15 0.0678 mg/m3 5.2 mg/m3** Level II
30 AIR-Likelihood of Release

Ethyl benzene 106.17 0.0955 mg/m3 0.00097 mg/m3* Level I

Styrene 104.16 0.2641 mg/m3 1.0 mg/m3** Level II

Total xylenes 106.17 0.1954 mg/m3 0.1 mg/m3** Level I

Naphthalene 128.19 0.0461 mg/m3 0.000072 mg/m3* Level I

* = Cancer risk benchmark

** = Non-cancer risk benchmark

Level I & II Samples

Sample ID: CF-AT-05

Reference for Benchmarks: 2, 21

Hazardous 

Substance Mol. wt.

Hazardous 

Substance 

Concentration

Benchmark Benchmark Level

Toluene 92.15 0.0135 mg/m3 5.2 mg/m3** Level II

Ethyl benzene 106.17 0.0317 mg/m3 0.00097 mg/m3* Level I

Styrene 104.16 0.0979 mg/m3 1.0 mg/m3** Level II

Total xylenes 106.17 0.0738 mg/m3 0.1 mg/m3** Level II

* = Cancer risk benchmark

** = Non-cancer risk benchmark

Attribution:

All weather conditions during air sampling was taken from direct observation and from a Weather Pro 

weather station. The weather conditions include: wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and barometric 

pressure. This data is located in the field logbook (Reference 39, pp. 18, 19). The large downwind/upwind 

concentration ratios for benzene, naphthalene, styrene, ethyl benzene and others, combined with the 

occurrence during the sampling period of a fairly steady, south-southeast to southwest wind, strongly 

indicates that the cooling pond and surrounding contaminated soil areas were the sources of these 

compounds released to the air. The final report for the Site Screening Inspection (SSI) indicates that 

Chemfax used various solvents in its processing, these include: alkylated xylene and naphthalene (Ref. 18, 

pp. 7, 18).

The air samples were analyzed through the Special Analytical Services of the Contract Laboratory 

Program. The whole-air sample procedures were based on Compendium Method TO-14 (Ref. 40).

In addition, Chemfax stated that process vapors were sampled during the 1990 air sampling, indicating 

this included the spill of raw feedstock and the molten resins being pumped through filters (Ref. 5, p. 7).

Hazardous Substances Released

Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene, Styrene, Total Xylenes, Naphthalene.

Air Observed Release Factor Value: 550
31 AIR-Waste Characteristics

6.1.2 POTENTIAL TO RELEASE

Since criteria have been met to constitute an observed release to air, the Potential to Release component of 

this pathway was not evaluated.

6.2 WASTE CHARACTERISTICS

6.2.1 TOXICITY/MOBILITY

Hazardous 

Substance

Source 

No.

Toxicity 

Factor 

Value

Gas 

Mobility 

Factor 

Value

Particulate 

Mobility 

Factor

Value

Toxicity/

Mobility

Factor Value 

(Ref. 1, 

Table 6-13) References

Benzene 1, 3-5 1000 1 NA 1000 2, p. 4

Toluene 1, 3-5 10 1 NA 10 2, p. 9

Ethyl benzene 1-5 10 1 NA 10 2, p. 5

Styrene 1-5 10 1 NA 10 2, p. 8

Mercury 1 10,000 0.2 0.00008 2000 2, p. 6

Naphthalene 1-5 1000 1 0.02 1000 2, p. 7

Notes:

NA Not Applicable

Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, styrene and naphthalene were assigned gas mobility values of 1.0 

because they were found in observed release to air (Ref. 1, Section 6.2.1.2). Mercury was detected in the 

cooling pond, but not in observed release to air (Refs. 12, App. F, p. 1; 42).

Toxicity/Mobility Factor Value: 2000

6.2.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE QUANTITY

Source No. Source Type Source Hazardous Waste Quantity

1 Surface Impoundment 444

2 Contaminated Soil >0

3 Other 0.000528

4 Other >0
32 AIR-Waste Characteristics

Source No. Source Type Source Hazardous Waste Quantity

5 Other >0

Sum of Values: 444.000528

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 100

(Ref. 1, Table 2-6) 

6.2.3 WASTE CHARACTERISTICS FACTOR CATEGORY VALUE

Toxicity/mobility Factor Value: 2000

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 100

Toxicity/mobility Factor Value x

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 2 x 105

Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value: 18

(Ref. 1, Table 2-7) 
33 AIR-Targets

6.3 TARGETS

Level I Distance Categories

Sample ID: CF-AT-03; CF-AT-04; CF-AT-05

Location: CF-AT-03 was taken on the north side of the cooling pond, CF-AT-04 was taken on the north 

side of the cooling pond, beneath aboveground tanks, and CF-AT-05 was taken on the northwest corner of 

the cooling pond.

Reference: Reference 14, p. 3.

Source: Cooling pond, contaminated soil, spill, drip pan and molten resin processing area.

Distance from the source in miles: Less than one-quarter.

Reference: 5, pp. 7, 13; 14, pp. 5, 6, 7. See also Figures 2, 3 and 4 of this HRS documentation record.

Distance categories subject to Level I concentrations: 0-1/4 mile radius.

Samples CF-AT-03, CF-AT-04 and CF-AT-05 contain Level I and II concentrations of contaminants. See 

tables in Section 6.1.1 of this HRS documentation record. The Level I air contamination encompasses a 

quarter of a mile radius around the cooling pond which includes the delineated area of contaminated soil. 

There are 57 employees at Chemfax that use the parking lot and the building on the property (at the time of 

the air release), thus all 57 employees are subject to Level I concentrations (Ref. 22). A target survey was 

conducted on June 6, 1990 by NUS Corporation. This survey concluded that there are no homes within a 

quarter mile radius of Chemfax, Inc. (Ref. 15, p. 16). However, the Alpine Masonite Company has two 

employees that are within a quarter mile radius of the cooling pond on the Chemfax property (at the time of 

the air release) (Ref. 41). Therefore, 59 individuals are subject to Level I concentrations within a quarter 

mile radius of the cooling pond.

Samples CF-AT-03, CF-AT-04 and CF-AT-05 were collected from the perimeter of the cooling pond (Ref. 

14, p. 9). Sample canisters were placed at least six inches from the water in the cooling pond, on a plastic 

sheet around the perimeter of the cooling pond (Ref. 14, Appendix A, p. A-3).

Level II Distance Categories

No additional Level II distance categories have been documented.

Actual Contamination Distance Categories

As documented above.

6.3.1 NEAREST INDIVIDUAL

Nearest Individual - Level I Concentrations

Residence, building or area subject to Level I concentrations: There were 57 active workers on Chemfax and 

2 active workers on Alpine Masonite at the time of the observed release to air that were subject to Level I 

concentrations (Refs. 14, p. 3; 22; 41).

Nearest Individual Factor Value: 50
34 AIR-Targets

6.3.2 POPULATION

6.3.2.2 Level I Concentrations

Level I Population Targets

Distance Category Population References

Onsite 59 22

Sum of Population Exposed to Level I Concentrations: 59

Sum of Population Exposed to Level I Concentrations x 10: 590

Level I Concentrations Factor Value: 590

6.3.2.3 Level II Concentrations

Level II Population Targets

Level II Concentrations Factor Value: 0

6.3.2.4. Potential Contamination

Potential Population Targets

Population subject to potential contamination was not scored.

Potential Contamination Factor Value: NS

6.3.3 RESOURCES

There are no resources within one-half mile of Chemfax, Inc. (Reference 26).

Resources Factor Value: 0

6.3.4 SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Sensitive Environments: Not Evaluated