UNITE D STATE S ENVIRONMENTA L PROTECTIO N AGENC Y REGIO N 6 144 5 ROS S AVENUE , SUIT E 120 0 DALLAS , T X 75202-273 3

MEMORANDU M 

### SUBJECT : FROM : TO : 

### THRU : Reques t

for Ceilin g Increas e an dAmendmen t t o th e Actio n Memorandu ma t th e Hig h Acces s Area s o f

th e Man y Diversifie dInterests , Inc . (MDI ) Superfun dSite , Houston , Harri s County . Texa s Gregory Fife , On-Scen e Coordinato r Sit e Respons e Sectio n (6SF-R2 ) Samue l Coleman , P.E. , Directo r Superfun dDivision 

# 9%(%* aga n Broyles , Chie f Respons e an dPreventio n Branc h (6SF-R ) 

### I . PURPOS E Thi s memorandu mrequest s aceilin g increas e an da n amendmen t

t o th e Remova l Actio n pursuan t t o th e Comprehensiv e Environmenta l Response , Compensatio n an dLiability Ac t (CERCLA) , a s amended , 4 2 U.S.C . §§960 1 e t seg, , a t th e Hig h Acces s Area s of

th e Man y Diversifie dInterests , Inc . Superfun dSit e ("MDI " o r "Site" ) locate di n Houston , Harri s County , Texas . Th e propose damendmen t involve s th e excavatio n an dconsolidatio n o f contaminate dsoi l i n on e additional Hig h Acces s Are a(HAA ) o f th e Site . O SIT E CONDITION S AN D BACKGROUN D CERCLI S #TX000228808 2 Categor y o f

removal : Tim e Critica l Sit e I D #06F E

19114 2

Interne t Addres s (URL ) •http://Www.epa.go v Racyctod/Racyclabl e • Printe d wit h Vegetabl e Oi l Base d Ink s o n Recycle d Pape r(Minimu m 25 % Postconsumer )MEMORANDU M



### SUBJECT : FROM : TO : THRU : Reques t

fo r Ceilin g Increas e an dAmendmen t t o th e Actio n Memorandu mat th e Hig h Acces s Area s o f

th e Man y Diversifie dInterests , Inc . (MDI ) Superfun dSite , Houston , Harri s County , Texa s Gr e gor y Fife , On-Scen e Coordinato r Sit e Respons e Sectio n (6SF-R2 ) Samue l Coleman , P.E. , Directo r Superfun dDivisio n (6SF ) agaivBroyles , Chie f Respons e an dPreventio n Branc h (6SF-R ) 

### I . PURPOS E Thi s memorandu mrequest s aceilin g increas e an da n amendmen t

t o th e Remova l Actio n pursuan t t o th e Comprehensiv e Environmenta l Response , Compensatio n an dLiabilit y Ac t (CERCLA) , a s amended , 4 2 U.S.C . §§960 1 e t secu , a t th e Hig h Acces s Area s of

th e Man y Diversifie dInterests , Inc . Superfun dSit e ("MDI " o r "Site" ) locate di n Houston , Harri s County , Texas . Th e propose damendmen t involve s th e excavatio n an dconsolidatio n o f contaminate dsoi l i n on e additiona l Hig h Acces s Are a(HAA ) o f th e Site . H . SIT E CONDITION S AN D BACKGROUN D CERCLI S #TX000228808 2 Categor y o f

removal : Tim e Critica l Sit e I D #06F E PETERSE N BROYLE S -RR6SF- R 

# fee SUTTIC E -AC / PAR

R 6SF-^C NAN N 6RC- S



### 19114 3A . Sit e Descriptio n 1 . Remova l sit e evaluatio n Se e attache dorigina l Actio n Memorandu m(Attachmen t 1) . 2 . Physica l locatio n Th e MD I Site , locate da

t 361 7 Bae r

Stree t i n Houston , Harri s County , Texa s i s a n abandone dfoundr

y facilit y locate dapproximatel y 2 mile s eas t o f downtow n Housto n an deas t o f th e intersectio n o f

Highwa y 5 9 an dInterstat e Highwa y 10 . Attachmen t 3 ha s atopographi c layou t o f th e site . Thi s portio n of

Housto n i s know n a s th e "Fift h Ward. " Th e MD I fence dproperty occupie s approximatel y 3 6 acre s i n a n are ao f mixe dindustrial an dresidentia l lan duse . Th e MD I propert y i s bounde db y Har e Stree t t o th e north ; Nationa l Vinegar Compan y an dPres s Stree t

t o th e east ; th e forme r

Texa s & New Orlean s Railroa dright-of-way beyon dth e easemen t t o th e south ; an dBringhurs t

Stree t t o th e west . Ther e ar e i n exces s of 10,00 0 peopl e withi n amil e o f th e Site , includin g severa l hundre dchildre n attendin g th e loca l elementar y school . 3 . Sit e characteristic s Ther e wer e approximatel y 5 9 Hig h Acces s Area s a t th e Sit e with lea dcontaminatio n greate r than th e establishe d50 0 pp mactio n level . Thes e HAAs includ e th e Blanc e Kelso Bruc e Elementar y School , th e Fift

h War dMulti-purpos e Communit y Center , achurch , an dresidentia l properties . Th e propertie s wer e prioritize dbasedo n lea dlevel s an dpresenc e of childre n o n th e property . Priorit y On e comprise do f propertie s abov e 50 0 pp mlea dwit h childre n les s than 6 year s ol dresidin g a

t thes e properties . Priority Tw o comprise do f propertie s abov e 100 0 pp mlea d with n o childre n residin g i n thes e properties . Priorit y Thre e comprise dof propertie s wit

h 50 0 - 100 0 pp mlea dwith n o childre n les s than 6 year s ol dresidin g a t thes e properties . EPA' s Respons e Actio n Contractor , Tetr aTec h EM , Inc. , conducte dsamplin g activitie s an dfoun dlea dcontaminatio n i s soi l i n residentia l area s o f th e Site . Th e are ainvestigate dwas determine db y ai r

modelin g an dinclude s area s withi n th e 40 0 pp misopleth. Th e soi l i n al l th e HAAs exceed s 50 0 pp man di s a s hig h a s 629 8 ppm . On e additiona l HAA , comprisin g o f severa l yard s i n th e housin g complex , ha s bee n identifie dfo r

clean-u p base do n re-evaluatio n o f informatio n for

th e HAA . 4 . Release s o r

threatene dreleas e int o th e environmen t o f ahazardou s substance , pollutan t o r contaminan t Se e attache dorigina l Actio n Memorandum .5 . NP L statu s Se e attache dorigina l Actio n Memorandum . 6 . Maps , Picture s an dothe r graphi c representation s Attachmen t

1 Origina l Actio n Memorandu m Attachmen t

2 Amendmen t

t o Origina l Actio n Memorandu m Attachmen t

3 MD I Sit e Topographi c Map B . Othe r

Action s t o Dat e 1 . Previou s action s Se e origina l Actio n Memorandu man dAmendmen t t o th e Origina l Actio n Memorandu m (Attachmen t

2) . 2 . Curren t action s Th e EP A conducte da

n RI/F S a t th e Site . Th e purpos e of

th e RI/F S wa s t o determin e th e natur e an dexten t

o f contaminatio n an dt o gathe r sufficien t informatio n abou t

th e Sit e t o suppor t a n informe dris k

managemen t

decisio n regardin g whic h remed y i s th e mos t appropriat e fo r

th e Site . Th e EP A began remedia l samplin g activitie s at th e Sit e i n January 2003 . Th e Remova l Actio n a

t th e sit e began o n Jul y 15 , 2003 . Followin g th e approva l o f th e ceilin g increas e an damende daction s o n Septembe r 8 , 2003 , EP A complete dremova l actio n at additiona l properties . Remova l Actio n a t Priorit y One , Priorit y Two , an dPriority Thre e propertie s hav e bee n completed . Recen t re-evaluatio n o f

th e informatio n a

t on e o f th e HAAs , comprise do f

severa l yard s i n th e housin g complex , indicate dth e nee dfor aremova l actio n a

t thi s property . C . Stat e an dIx?ca

l Authorities ' Role s 1 . Stat e an dloca l action s t o dat e Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Potentia l fo r

continue dState/loca l respons e Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum .

### III . THREAT S T O PUBLI C HEALT H O R WELFAR E O R TH E ENVIRONMENT , AN D

STATUTOR Y AN D REGULATOR Y AUTHORITIE S A . Threat s t o Publi c Health o r Welfare Th e curren t

condition s a

t th e site mee t

th e followin g factor s whic h indicat e that th e sit e i s athrea t t o th e publi c health , welfare an dth e environmen t an daremova l actio n i s appropriat e unde r §300.415(b)(2 ) of

th e Nationa l Contingenc y Plan . An y o r al l o f thes e factor s may b e presen t a t asit e ye t an y on e of

thes e factor s may determin e th e appropriatenes s of aremova l action . 1 . Exposur e t o Huma n Populations , Animal s o r th e Foo dChain , NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Contaminant s i n Soil ; NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(iv ) Th e soil s i n th e HAA s excee dth e actio n level s establishe dt o protec t th e huma n population . Lea dwas foun di n concentration s u p t o 629 8 ppm . Th e soi l a t th e Blanc e Kelso Bruc e Elementar y School , th e Fift h War dMulti-purpos e Communit y Center , achurch , ahousin g complex , an dresidentia l propertie s hav e lea dcontaminatio n in soi l exceedin g th e respons e actio n level . 3 . Weathe r

Condition s Tha t

May Caus e Hazardou s Substance s o r Pollutant s o r Contaminant s t o Migrat e o r b e Released . NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(v ) Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 4 . Availabilit y o f

Othe r Mechanisms , NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(vii ) Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . B . Threat s t o th e Environmen t Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . V . ENDANGERMEN T DETERMINATIO N Actua l o r threatene drelease s o f

hazardou s substances , pollutant s o r contaminant s fro m thi s Site , if not addresse db y implementin g th e respons e actio n in thi s amendment , may presen t a n imminen t an dsubstantia l endangermen t t o th e publi c health , welfare , o r th e environment .VI . PROPOSE D ACTION S AN D ESTIMATE D COST S

A . Propose dAction s 1 . Propose dActio n Descriptio n Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Contributio n t o remedia l performanc e Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 3 . Descriptio n o f

alternativ e technologies Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 4 . Applicabl e o r

relevan t an dappropriat e requirement s Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 5 . Projec t schedul e Th e duratio n o f

activitie s a

t th e yard s i n th e housin g comple x i s expecte dt o b e on e month , dependin g upo n weathe r

condition s an dscheduling , an dth e availability o f disposa l contractor s an dothers . Estimate dCost s EXTRAMURA L COST S Curren tPropose d Ceilin g Ceilin g Cleanu p Contracto r

$ 850,000. . $ 980,00 0 STAR T $ 600,00 0 $ 610,00 0 Previou s Cost s $ 353,457.2 6 $ 353,457.2 6 TOTAL , EXTRAMURA L COST S $1,893,457.2 6 $1,943,457.2 6VII . EXPECTE D CHANG E I N TH E SITUATIO N SHOUL D ACTIO N B E DELAYE D O RNO T TAKE N Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . VIII . OUTSTANDIN G POLIC Y ISSUE S Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . IX . ENFORCEMEN T Als o se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . (Direc t Cost ) + (Othe r

Direct ) + (37 % o f

Tota l Direc t

{Indirec t Cost} ) = Estimate d EP A Cos tfo ra Remova l Actio n ($1,943,457.26 ) + ($194,346 ) + (37 % x 2,137,803.26 ) = $2,928,790.2 0 Als o se e origina l Actio n Memorandu man dAmendmen t t o Origina l Actio n Memorandum . X . RECOMMENDATIO N Thi s decisio n documen t

represent s th e selecte dremova l actio n fo r on e additiona l HA A o f th e MD I Superfun dSit e locate di n Houston , Harri s County , Texa s develope di n accordanc e wit h CERCL A a s amended , an dno t inconsistent

with th e NCP . Thi s decisio n i s base do n th e Administrativ e Recor dfor

th e Site . Condition s a

t th e Sit e mee t

th e criteri aa s define db y 4 0 CF RSectio n 300.415(b)(2 ) o f th e NC P fo r aremoval . I recommen dyou r approva l o f

th e propose dremova l action . Th e total projec t ceilin g wil l b e $2,928,790.2 0 

### APPROVE D H^JVXAJLVWJ^. ^ 

### DAT E Attachment s

# /

4 f f X

# * UNITE D STATE S ENVIRONMENTA L PROTECTIO N AGENC Y REGIO N 6 144 5 ROS S AVENUE , SUIT E 120 0 DALLAS , T

X 75202-273 3 

### f $

MEMORANDU M SUBJECT : FROM : Reques t

for aRemova l Actio n an d Waive r t o th e Twelv e Month Statutor y Limi t a t th e Hig h Acces s Area s o f

th e Man y Diversifie dInterests , Inc . Superfun dSite , Houston , Harri s County , Texa s Rafae l Abreg o Casnova , Remedial Projec t Manage r Stace y Bennett , Remedial Projec t Manage r ' 

### ( Q \JAAA4>

YA 

## / Gregor y Fife , On-Scen e Coordinat o Sit e Respons e Sectio n (6SF-R2 ) / TO : Myro n O . Knudson , P.E. , Directo r

Superfun dDivisio n (6SF ) THRU : -^Charle s A . Gazda , Chie f Q (JiAA^Q tWMO^ Respons e an dPreventio n branc h (6SF-R ) I . PURPOS E Thi s memorandu mrequest s approva l for aRemova l Actio n pursuan t

t o th e Comprehensiv e Environmenta l Response , Compensatio n an d Liability Ac t (CERCLA) , a s amended , 4 2 U.S.C . §§960 1 e t seq. , at th e Hig h Acces s Area s o f

th e Man y Diversifie dInterests , Inc . Superfun dSit e ("MDI " o r "Site" ) locate din Houston , Harri s County , Texas . Th e propose d actio n involve s th e excavatio n an dconsolidatio n o f contaminate dsoi l i n Hig h Acces s Area s (HAAs)oftheSite . Thi s actio n meet s th e criteri afor initiatin g aremoval actio n unde r th e National Contingenc y Pla

n (NCP) , 4 0 CF R§300.415 . Thi s actio n i s expecte dt o requir e les s tha n $ 2 millio n t o complete . Previou s action s too k plac e fromNovembe r

2 , 199 8 t o September

30 , 1999 . Hence , th e action s propose din thi s memorandu mwill excee dth e 1 2 month laps e time fromth e dat e o f th e initia l response . Th e Actio n Memorandu mfo r th e previou s action s take n i s in Attachmen t

1 .

Interne ! Addres s (URL ) - http://www.ep a qov/eart h 1 r6 / Recycled/Recyclabl e - Printe d wit h Vegetabl e Oi l Base d Inks o n Recycle d Pape r(Minimu m 30 % Postconsumer )II . SIT E CONDITION S AN D BACKGROUN D

CERCLI S #TX000228808 2 Categor y o f

removal : Time Critica l Sit e I D #06F E A . Sit e Descriptio n 1 . Remova l sit e evaluatio n I n 1926 , th e Texa s Electri c Stee l Castin g Compan y (TESCO ) bega n operation s a s ametal castin g foundry . TESC O primaril y manufacture dspecialty molde dpart s suc h a s larg e wheels , tracks , an dminin g equipment . Th e proces s are aconsiste do f castin g plants . Bot h plant s maintaine dseparat e san dsystems , cor e ovens , mol dmakes , electri c ar c furnaces , pourin g facilities , an dcleaning , annealin g an dheat treatin g proces s areas . Durin g th e mid-1980s , th e souther n portio n o f th e Sit e wa s lease dt o Can-A mResourc e Grou p (Can-Am) . Can-A mconducte daspen t catalys t recyclin g operatio n usin g an experimental process . Can-A mreportedl y obtaine dbetwee n 2,00 0 an d4,00 0 drum s o f spen t catalys t from chemical plant s an drefinerie s alon g th e Housto n Shi p Channel . B y 1988 , Can-A mcease d operation s an dabandone dth e drum s o f spent catalys t o n th e Site . I n 1990 , MD I bought

th e TESC O not e for mth e Texa s Commerc e Bank . TESC O cease d operation s in February 1991 , an dMD I foreclose do n th e property . MD I reopene da s th e Sa n Jacint o Foundr y (SJF ) o n Marc h 1 , 1991 . SJ Fcontinue doperation s unti l abou t Jun e 1 , 1992 . MDI file dfo r

Chapte r 7 Bankruptc y in th e U.S . Bankruptc y Cour t fo r th e Souther n Distric t

o f Texa s o n Ma y 1992 . Th e on-sit e facilitie s wer e demolishe da s asalvag e operatio n unde r orde r o f th e U.S . Bankruptc y Cour t

betwee n Marc h 199 5 an dJanuary 1996 . I n 199 8 an d1999 , th e Potentiall y Responsibl e Partie s remove dove r 5,00 0 drum s containin g wast e materials , with EPA' s oversight . Th e TCE Q conducte daremova l an d restoratio n o f

8 9 residential yard s t o th e wes t an dnort h o f

th e MD I facility . Th e removal actio n wa s conducte dt o remov e surfac e soi l with concentration s o f leadtha t equale do r

exceede d50 0 part s pe r millio n (ppm ) t o reduc e th e exposur e t o lead . 2 . Physical locatio n Th e MD I Site , locate da

t 3.61 7 Bae r

Stree t i n Houston , Harri s County , Texa s i s a n abandone dfoundr

y facilit y locate dapproximatel y 2 mile s eas t o f downtow n Housto n an deas t o f th e intersectio n o f

Highway 5 9 an dInterstat e Highway 10 . Attachmen t 2 ha s atopographi c layou t o f th e Site . Thi s portio n o f

Housto n i s know n a s th e "Fift h Ward. " Th e MD I fence d propert y occupie s approximatel y 3 6 acre s i n a n are ao f mixe dindustrial an dresidentia l lan duse . Th e MDI propert y i s bounde dby Har e Stree t t o th e north ; National Vinegar Compan y an

dPres s Stree t t o th e east ; th e former

Texa s & Ne w Orlean s Railroa dright-of-way beyon dth e easementt o th e south ; an dBringhurs t Stree t t o th e west . Ther e ar e i

n exces s o f 10,00 0 peopl e withi n a mil e o f th e Site , includin g severa l hundredchildre n attendin g th e loca l elementary school . 3 . Sit e characteristic s Ther e ar e approximatel y 3 3 Hig h Acces s Area s a t th e Sit e wit

h leadcontaminatio n greate r tha n th e establishe d50 0 pp mactio n level . Thes e HAA s includ e th e Blanc e Kels o Bruc e Elementar y School , th e Fift h War dMulti-purpos e Community Center , achurch , an d approximatel y 3 0 residentia l properties . Th e schoo l i s locate don e bloc k wes t o f th e MD I Site . Attachmen t

3 ha s th e layou t

o f th e elementary school . EPA' s Respons e Actio n Contractor , Tetr aTec h EM , Inc. , conducte dsamplin g activitie s an dfoun dlea dcontaminatio n i s soi l i n residentia l area s o f th e Site . Th e are ainvestigate dwa s determine db y ai r

modelin g an dinclude s area s withi n th e 40 0 pp misopleth . Th e soi l in al l th e HAA s exceed s 50 0 pp man di s a s hig h a s 189 9 ppm . 4 . Release s o r

threatene dreleas e int o th e environmen t o f ahazardou s substance , poUutan t o r contaminan t Lea di s th e primary contaminan t o f concern at

th e Site . Lea di s adesignate dhazardou s substanc e a s define di

n Sectio n 101(14 ) o f

CERCLA , 4 2 U.S.C.§9601(14) , an d4 0 CFR§302.4 . Analytical dat ashow s that

lea da t concentration s rangin g from51 1 t o 1,89 9 pp mar e presen t i n th e soil s (surfac e t o 1 8 inches ) a t th e Site . Lea di s know n t o caus e primaril y neurologica l damag e i n human s a s th e resul t o f ingestio n o f

th e metal . Childre n ar e th e mos t susceptibl e grou p o f peopl e t o th e advers e effect s o f lead . Attachmen t

5 ha s th e ToxFaQ s for

Lead . 5 . NP L statu s Th e "Final Rule " addin g th e Sit e t o th e Nationa l Prioritie s Lis t wa s publishe din th e Federa l Registe r

o n January 15 , 1999 . A Recor do f Decision , describin g th e chose n remedial action , ha s no t

bee n issue dfo r

th e Site ; however , thi s propose dremova l actio n wil l b e consisten t with an y subsequen t

remedia l activitie s tha t

may b e take n a

t th e Site . 6 . Maps , Picture s an dothe r graphi c representation s Attachmen t

1 Previou s Actio n Memorandu m Attachmen t

2 MD I Sit e Topographi c Ma p Attachmen t

3 Bruc e Elementary Schoo l Layou t Attachmen t

4 Enforcemen t

Attachmen t Attachmen t

5 ToxFaQ s fo r

Lea dB . Othe r Action s t o Dat e 1 . Previou s action s I n 199 8 and1999 , th e Potentiall y Responsibl e Partie s remove dove r 5,00 0 drum s containin g wast e materials , with th e EPA' s oversight . Th e TCE Q complete daremova l an d restoratio n in 199 9 o f

8 9 residentia l yard s t o th e wes t an dnort h o f

th e Site . Th e remova l actio n wa s conducte dt o remov e surfac e soi l with concentration s o f lea dtha t equale do r

exceede d50 0 pp mt o reduc e th e exposur e t o lea d 2 . Curren t action s i Th e EP A i s currentl y performin g an RJ/F S at th e Site . Th e purpos e o f

th e RJ/F S i s t o determin e th e natur e an dexten t o f contaminatio n an dt o gathe r sufficient informatio n abou t

th e Sit e t o suppor t

a n informe dris k

managemen t

decisio n regardin g whic h remedy i s th e mos t appropriat e for

th e Site . Th e EP A began remedial samplin g activitie s a t th e Sit e i n January 2003 . C . Stat e an dLoca l Authorities ' Role s 1 . Stat e an dloca l action s t o dat e Th e Stat e o f

Texas , throug h th e TCEQ , wa s significantl y involve di n th e previou s activitie s a t

th e Sit e an dcontinue s t o provide dtechnical assistanc e durin g th e RI/FS . Th e TCE Q conducte daPreliminar

y Assessmen t

in Novembe r

199 5 an daScreenin g Sit e Inspectio n in Januar y 1996 . Further , th e TCE Q entere dint o acontrac t wit h EP A i n Marc h 31 , 1999 , t o conduc t aTime-Critica l Remova l Actio n for th e off-sit e portio n o f

th e Sit e unde r

th e Stat e Remova l Pilo t

Program . 2 . Potentia l fo r

continue dState/loca l respons e Th e TCE Q will continu e t o provid e technical assistanc e t o th e EP A durin g th e RI/F S for th e Site . Th e Texa s Departmen t o f Health i s currentl y gatherin g dat aconcernin g th e historical an drecen t bloo dleadstudie s conducte da t th e Sit e an dplan s t o provid e informatio n t o th e publi c durin g th e upcomin g publi c meetings . 

### III . THREAT S T O PUBLI C HEALT H O R WELFAR E O R TH E ENVIRONMENT , AN D STATUTOR Y AN D REGULATOR Y AUTHORITIE S A . Threat s t o Publi c Healt h o r WelfareTh e curren t condition s a

t th e site mee t

th e followin g factor s whic h indicat e tha t th e sit e i s athrea t t o th e publi c health , welfare an dth e environmen t an daremova l actio n i s appropriat e unde r §30O.415(b)(2 ) o f

th e Nationa l Contingenc y Plan . Any o r al l o f thes e factor s ma

y b e presen t a t asit e yet an y on e o f

thes e factor s ma

y determin e th e appropriatenes s o f aremoval action . 1 . Exposur e t o Huma n Populations , Animal s o r th e Foo dChain , NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(i ) Th e soil s i n th e HAA s o f

th e Sit e contai n lea dconcentration s that rang e from51 1 t o 1,89 9 ppm , base do n recen t

dat a(additiona l dat ai bein g reviewe dan dvalidated) . Th e EPA' s goa l a t leadsite s i s t o attemp t

t o limit exposur e t o soi l lea dlevel s suc h tha t atypical chil do r grou p o f similarl y expose dchildre n woul dhav e a n estimate dris k

o f n o mor e tha

n 5 % o f exceedin g a1 0 |ig/d l bloo dlea dlevel . Th e 50 0 pp mremova l actio n leve l meet s th e 5% benchmark , base do n th e experienc e gaine dfromothe r lea dsite s i n EP A Regio n 6 . Th e Cente r fo r Diseas e Contro l consider s th e 1 0 flg/d l bloo dlea dleve l a s elevate dfo r youn g children . Th e EP A believe s that

th e lea di n thes e soil s i s attributabl e t o th e historical foundry operation s a s well a s othe r possibl e sources . Exposur e t o animal s an dfoo dchai n receptor s ar e no t know n a t thi s time . Thi s informatio n will b e gathere ddurin g th e ongoin g RI/F S for th e Site . 2 . Contaminant s i n Soil ; NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(iv ) Th e soil s i n th e HAA s excee dth e actio n level s establishe dt o protec t th e huma n population . Lea dwa s foun di n concentration s u p t o 1,89 9 ppm . Th e soi l a t th e Blanc e Kels o Bruc e Elementary School , th e Fift h War dMulti-purpos e Community Center , achurch , and approximatel y 3 0 residentia l propertie s hav e leadcontaminatio n i n soi l exceedin g th e respons e actio n level . 3 . Weathe r

Condition s That

Ma y Caus e Hazardou s Substance s o r Pollutant s o r Contaminant s t o Migrat e o r b e Released . NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(v ) Th e are ai s subjec t

t o hurricanes , flooding an dothe r sever e weather . Th e sever e floodin g events coul deasil y transpor t contaminate dsoi l withi n th e residentia l areas . 4 . Availabilit

y o f Othe r Mechanisms , NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(vii ) At thi s time , ther e ar e n o othe r mechanism s availabl e t o respon dt o th e evacuatio n o f soi l contaminate dwith lead . B . Threat s t o th e Environmen tTh e propose dactio n t o b e take n durin g thi s respons e i s designe dt o addres s apubli c

health threat

resultin g fromth e contaminate dsoil s withi n th e residentia l area s o f th e Site . Thes e actions , althoug h no t

specificall y designe dt o d o so , will significantl y reduc e o r mitigat e any potentia l ecologica l threats . 

### IV . CRITERI A FO RA

N EXEMPTIO N FRO M STATUTORY LIMIT S Consistenc y Exemptio n Sectio n 104 (c)(l)(c ) limit s Fun dfinancedremova l actio n t o unde r $ 2 millio n an dtwelve-month s i n duratio n unles s th e Agenc y determine s that continue drespons e actio n ar e otherwis e appropriat e an dconsisten t

wit h th e remedia l actio n t o b e taken . Th e action s propose di n thi s memorandu mi s expecte dt o requir e les s tha n $ 2 millio n t o complete . Previou s action s too k plac e fromNovembe r

2 , 199 8 t o Septembe r

30 , 1999 . Hence , th e action s propose di n thi s memorandu mwil l excee dth e 1 2 mont h laps e tim e fromth e dat e o f th e initial response . Also , th e action s propose dwithi n thi s Actio n Memorandu mar e appropriate , consistent , an dd o no t hinde r an y additiona l conceivabl e future remedial action s t o b e taken . Th e Sit e wa s adde dt o th e NP L o n January 15 , 1999 . Th e action s propose di n thi s Actio n Memorandu mwill preven t direc t huma n contac t with th e contaminate dsoils . Al l surfac e an dsubsurfac e contaminate dsoil s will b e excavate dan dwil l b e store don-site . I f thi s Actio n Memorandu mi s approved , action s wil l b e take n t o remov e contaminate dsoi l fromth e Hig h Acces s Areas . All thes e actio n hav e been closel y coordinate dwith th e Remedia l Projec t Manager s an dar e consisten t wit h th e planne d remedial actio n fo r

th e site . V . ENDANGERMEN T DETERMINATIO N Actua l o r threatene drelease s o f

hazardou s substances , pollutant s o r contaminant s from thi s Site , i f no t addresse db y implementin g th e respons e actio n selecte di n thi s Actio n Memorandum , ma

y presen t a n imminen t an dsubstantia l endangermen t t o th e publi c health , welfare , o r th e environment . VI . PROPOSE D ACTION S AN D ESTIMATE D COST S A . Propose dAction s 1 . Propose dActio n Descriptio n Th e propose dactio n fo r

th e Sit e involve s th e remova l o f soil s contaminate dwit

h lea d fromth e HAA s a t

th e Site . Soi l with leadcontaminatio n greate r than 50 0 pp mwil l b e excavated . Th e area s wil l b e backfille dt o prope r grad e an dsodded . Th e contaminate dsoi l wil l b e place dat th e MD I Site . Sidewalks , driveways , an dothe r suc h structure s will b e replace dwith comparabl e structure s accordin g t o loca l codes . Othe r item s remove do r

damage da s aresul t

o f th e remova

l actio n wil l b e replace do r

compensatio n will b e give n i n accordanc e wit h EP A polic y a

t theappraise dvalue . I t i s critica l t o conduc t

th e actio n at

th e Blanc e Kels o Bruc e Elementary Schoo l i n Jul y t o coincid e wit

h schoo l closing . Othe r

activitie s wil

l b e conducte dt o facilitat e interactio n wit h th e public . 2 . Contributio n t o remedia l performanc e Th e propose dactio n i s consisten t with any future remedial respons e a t thi s Sit e sinc e th e respons e actio n constitute s contaminan t removal . 3 . Descriptio n o f

alternativ e technologie s Ther e ar e n o alternativ e technologie s that coul dfeasibly b e applied . 4 . Applicabl e o r

relevan t an dappropriat e requirement s Thi s remova l actio n wil l b e conducte dt o eliminate th e actua l o r potentia l releas e o f

a hazardou s substance , pollutant , o r contaminan t

t o th e environment , pursuan t t o CERCLA , 4 2 U.S.C . § 960 1 e t

seq. , an di n amanne r

consisten t with th e Nationa l Contingenc y Plan , 4 0 CFR . Par t 300 , a s require da t

3 3 U.S.C . § 1321(c)(2 ) an d4 2 U.S.C . § 9605 . Pursuan t t o 4 0 CF RPart 300.415(1) , fund-finance dremova l action s unde r CERCL A § 104 an dremova l action s pursuan t t o CERCL A § 10 6 shall , t o th e exten t practicabl e considerin g th e exigencie s o f th e situation , attai n th e applicabl e o r

relevan t an dappropriat e requirement s unde r Federa l environmenta l law . I f consolidatio n an doff-site disposa l ar e th e principa l element s o f thi s remova l action , RCR A wast e analysi s requirement s foun da t 4 0 CF R§ § 261.2 0 an d261.30 , RCR A manifestin g requirement s foun da

t 4 0 CF R§ 262.20 , an dRCR A packagin g an dlabelin g requirement s foun d at 4 0 CF R§ 262.3 0 ar e deeme dt o b e appropriat e requirement s fo r thi s remova l action . Applicabl e RCR A requirement s fo r landfill closure , 4 0 CF R§ 264 . Ill , Subpar t G , ma y apply , whic h specif

y aca p with apermeability les s tha n o r equa l t o th e permeability o f an y botto mline

r o r natura l sub-soil s presen t

at th e plan t site , h i addition , applicabl e specifi c closur e requirement s whic h ar e provide dfo r

surfac e impoundments , 4 0 CFR§ 264.228 , Subpart K , an dapplicabl e requirement s for

landfills , 4 0 CFR§ 264.310 , Subpart N ma y als o apply . Post-closur e and monitorin g requirement s ma y b e applicable , 4 0 CFR§ 264.117(a)(l) , a s wel l a s RCR A requirement s for

locatio n o f

aTransportation , Storag e o r Disposa l facilit

y in a100-yea

r floo d plain , 4 0 CF R§ 264.1 8 an d4 0 CF R6 , Appendi x A . Th e selecte dremova l actio n doe s no t trigge r placemen t unde r th e RCR A Lan dDisposa l Restrictions , sinc e al l wast e wil l b e move d onl y withi n th e are ao f

contaminatio n o r

RCR A unit , 5 5 Fed . Reg . 876 0 (Marc h 8 , 1990) . Ambien t air quality standard s a

t 4 0 CF R5 0 wil l b e used , a s applicable , t o protec t th e qualit y o f ai r durin g th e implementatio n o f th e action .5 . Projec t schedul e Th e duratio n o f

activitie s i s expecte dt o b e thre e months , dependin g upo n weather condition s an dscheduling , an dth e availabilit y o f disposa l contractor s an dothers . Th e respons e at th e schoo l mus t

b e conducte di

n Jul y an dcoordinate dwit

h th e principal . B . Estimate dCost s Extramura l Cost s Cleanu p Contracto r

$600,00 0 STAR T $300,00 0 Previou s Cost s A..$353,457.2 6 TOTAL , EXTRAMURA L COST S $1,253,457.2 6 VII . EXPECTE D CHANG E I N TH E SITUATIO N SHOUL D ACTIO N B E DELAYE D O RNO T TAKE N Shoul dth e action s describe di n thi s Actio n Memorandu mb e delaye do r no t taken , th e soil s contaminate dwith lea dwil l continu e t o contribut e t o th e direc t exposur e o f

childre n an d adults . Th e soil s in th e HAAs o f th e Sit e contai n lea dconcentration s tha t rang e from51 1 t o 1,89 9 ppm , base do n recen t dat a(additiona l dat ai s bein g reviewe dan dvalidated) . VIII . OUTSTANDIN G POLIC Y ISSUE S Ther e ar e n o outstandin g polic y issue s associate dwit h thi s remova l actio n o r

th e Site . IX . ENFORCEMEN T Fo r administrativ e purposes , informatio n concernin g confidential enforcemen t strateg y for thi s site i s containe din th e Enforcemen t Confidentia

l Attachmen t

4 . (Direc t Cost ) + (Othe r

Direct ) + (42.14 % o f

Tota l Direc t

{Indirec t Cost} ) = Estimate d EP A Cos t fo r aRemova l Actio n ($1,253,457.26 ) + ($125,346 ) + (42.14 % x 1,378,803.26 ) = $1,959,830.9 5 Direc t cost s includ e direc t

extramura l cost s an ddirec t intramural costs . Indirec t

cost s ar e calculate dbase do n a

n estimate dindirec t

cos t rat e expresse da s apercentag e o f site-specifi cdirec t costs , consisten t

wit h th e ful l cos t accountin g methodolog y effectiv e Octobe r 2 , 2002 . Thes e estimate s d o no t

includ e pre-judgemen t

interest , d o no t

take int o accoun t

othe r enforcement

costs , includin g Departmen t o f Justic e costs , an

dma y b e adjuste ddurin g th e cours e o f aremoval action . Th e estimate s ar e for illustrativ e purpose s only , an dthei r us e i s no t intende d t o creat e any rights for

responsibl e parties . Neithe r th e lac k o f atota l cos t

estimat e no r

th e deviatio n o f

actual tota l cost s fromthi s estimat e will affect th e Unite dStates ' right

t o cos t recovery . X . RECOMMENDATIO N Thi s decisio n documen t

represent s th e selecte dremova l actio n for th e HAA s o f

th e MD I Superfun dSit e locate di

n Houston , Harri s County , Texa s develope di n accordanc e wit h CERCL A a s amended , an dno t inconsisten t

wit h th e NCP . Thi s decisio n i s base do n th e Administrativ e Recor dfor

th e Site . Condition s at

th e Sit e mee t

th e criteri aa s define db y 4 0 CF RSectio n 300.415(b)(2 ) o f th e NC P fo r aremoval , an dI recommen dyou r approval o f

th e propose dremoval action . Th e tota l projec t ceilin g will b e $1,253,457.26 . APPROVE D ^/'T^jS , A^->^wfe^

- DAT EUNITE D STATE S ENVIRONMENTA L PROTECTIO N AGENC Y REGIO N 6 144 5 ROS S AVENUE , SUIT E 120 0 DALLAS , T

X 75202-273 3

MEMORANDU M SUBJECT : FROM : TO : THRU : Amendmen t

t o th e Actio n Memorandu ma t th e Hig h Acces s Area s o f

th e Man y Divexsified^nterest^vlnc . Superfun dSite , Houston , Harri s County , Texa s Gregw y Fife , On-Scen e Coordinato r Sit e Respons e Sectio n (6SF-R2 ) Myro n O . Knudson , P.E. , Directo r Superfun dDivisio n (6SF ) ( / Charles A . Gazda/Ch i Respons e an d Prevefiuo n I . PURPOS E Thi s memorandu mdocument s your verba l approval fo r

aceilin g increas e an d a

n amendmen t

t o th e Remova l Actio n pursuan t t o th e Comprehensiv e Environmenta l Response , Compensatio n an d Liability Ac t (CERCLA) , a s amended , 4 2 U.S.C . §§960 1 e t seg. , a t th e Hig h Acces s Area s o f

th e Man y Diversifie dInterests , Inc . Superfun dSit e ("MIDI " o r "Site" ) locate di n Houston , Harri s County , Texas . Th e propose damendmen t involve s th e excavatio n an d consolidatio n o f

contaminate dsoi l in 3 3 additional Hig h Acces s Area s (HAAs ) of th e Site . II . SIT E CONDITION S AN D BACKGROUN D CERCLI S #TX000228808 2 Category o f

removal : Tim e Critica l Site I D #06F E

Interne t Addres s (URL ) - http://www.epa.qov/earth1r6 /

Recycled/Recyclabl e - Printe d wit h Vegetabl e Oi l Base d Inks o n Recycle d Pape r(Minimu m 30 % Postconsumer )A . Sit e Descriptio n 1 . Removal sit

e evaluatio n Se e attache doriginal Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Physica l locatio n Th e MD I Site , locate da

t 361 7 Bae r Stree t i n Houston , Harri s County , Texa s i s a n abandone dfoundr

y facilit y locate dapproximatel y 2 mile s eas t o f downtow n Housto n andeas t o f th e intersectio n o f

Highwa y 5 9 an dInterstat e Highwa

y 10 . Attachmen t

2 ha s atopographi c layou t of th e Site . Thi s portio n o f

Housto n i s know n a s th e "Fift h Ward. " Th e MD I fence d propert y occupie s approximatel y 3 6 acre s i n a n are ao f mixe dindustrial an dresidentia l lan duse . Th e MD I propert y i s bounde dby Har e Stree t t o th e north ; National Vinegar Compan y an

dPres s Stree t t o th e east ; th e former

Texa s & New Orlean s Railroa dright-of-way beyon dth e easement t o th e south ; an dBringhurs t Stree t t o th e west . Ther e ar e in exces s o f 10,00 0 peopl e withi n a mil e o f th e Site , includin g several hundre dchildre n attendin g th e local elementary school . 3 . Sit e characteristic s Ther e ar e approximatel y 5 9 Hig h Acces s Area s a t th e Sit e wit

h lea dcontaminatio n greate r tha n th e establishe d50 0 pp mactio n level . Thes e HAA s includ e th e Blanc e Kels o Bruc e Elementar y School , th e Fift

h WardMulti-purpos e Communit y Center , achurch , andresidential properties . Th e propertie s wer e prioritize dbase do n lea dlevel s an dpresenc e o f childre n o n th e property . Priority On e comprise s o f propertie s abov e 50 0 pp mleadwit h childre n les s tha

n 6 year s ol dresidin g in thes e properties . Priority Tw o comprise s o f propertie s abov e 100 0 pp mlea d wit h n o childre n residin g i n thes e properties . Priority Thre e comprise s o f propertie s wit

h 50 0 - 100 0 pp mleadwit

h n o childre n les s tha

n 6 year s ol dresidin g i

n thes e properties . EPA' s Respons e Actio n Contractor , Tetr aTec h EM , Inc. , conducte dsamplin g activitie s andfoun dlea

dcontaminatio n i s soi l i

n residential area s o f

th e Site . Th e are ainvestigate dwa s determine db y air

modelin g an dinclude s area s within th e 40 0 pp misopleth . Th e soil i n al l th e HAA s exceed s 50 0 pp man di s a s hig h a s 277 9 ppm . 4 . Release s o r

threatene dreleas e int o th e environment o f ahazardou s substance , pollutan t o r contaminan t Se e attache doriginal Actio n Memorandum . 5 . NPL statu s Se e attache doriginal Actio n Memorandum .6 . Maps , Picture s an dothe r graphi c representation s Attachmen t

1 Origina l Actio n Memorandu m Attachmen t

2 MD I Sit e Topographi c Ma p B . Othe r Action s t o Dat e 1 . Previou s action s Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Curren t action s Th e EP A i s currentl y performin g a n RI/F S a t th e Site . Th e purpos e o f

th e RI/F S i s t o determin e th e natur e an dexten t o f contaminatio n an dt o gathe r sufficient informatio n abou t

th e Sit e t o suppor

t a n informe dris k

managemen t

decisio n regardin g whic h remed y i s th e mos t appropriat e for

th e Site . Th e EPA bega

n remedia l samplin g activitie s a t th e Sit e i n January 2003 . Remova l Actio n currentl y bein g don e a t th e sit e began o n Jul y 15 , 2003 . Followin g you r verbal approva l of

th e ceilin g increas e an damende daction s o n Septembe r 8 , 200 3 , EPA bega

n wor k on th e additional properties . Remova l Actio n a t mos t o f Priority On e an dPriority Tw o propertie s ar e complete . Removal Actio n i s currentl y bein g don e in Priority Thre e properties . C . Stat e an dLoca l Authorities ' Role s 1 . Stat e an dloca l action s t o date Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Potentia l fo r

continue dState/loca l respons e Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . III . THREAT S T O PUBLI C HEALT H O RWELFAR E ORTH E ENVIRONMENT , AN D STATUTOR Y AN D REGULATOR Y AUTHORITIE S A . Threat s t o Publi c Health o r Welfar e Th e curren t

condition s a

t th e sit e mee t

th e followin g factor s whic h indicat e that th e site i s athreat t o th e publi c health , welfare an dth e environmen t an daremoval actio n i s appropriat eunde r §300.415(b)(2 ) of

th e Nationa l Contingenc y Plan . An y o r all o f thes e factor s may b e presen t a t asit e ye t an y on e o f thes e factor s may determin e th e appropriatenes s o f aremoval action . 1 . Exposur e t o Human Populations , Animal s o r th e Foo dChain , NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(i ) Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Contaminant s i n Soil ; NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(iv ) Th e soil s i n th e HAAs excee dth e actio n level s establishe dt o protec t th e huma n population . Lea dwa s foun din concentration s u p t o 1,89 9 ppm . Th e soi l a t th e Blanc e Kels o Bruc e Elementar y School , th e Fift h War dMulti-purpos e Community Center , achurch , an d residentia l propertie s hav e lea dcontaminatio n in soi l exceedin g th e respons e actio n level . 3 . Weathe r

Condition s Tha t

May Caus e Hazardou s Substance s o r Pollutant s o

r Contaminant s t o Migrat e o r b e Released . NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(v ) Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 4 . Availabilit y o f

Othe r Mechanisms , NC P Sectio n 300.41 5 (b)(2)(vii ) Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . B . Threat s t o th e Environmen t Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . V . ENDANGERMEN T DETERMINATIO N Actual o r threatene drelease s of

hazardou s substances , pollutant s o r contaminant s fro

m thi s Site , i f not addresse db y implementin g th e respons e actio n in thi s amendment , may present a n imminen t

an dsubstantia l endangermen t t o th e publi c health , welfare , o r th e environment .

### VI . PROPOSE D ACTION S AN D ESTIMATE D COST S A . Propose dAction s 1 . Propose dActio n Descriptio n Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 2 . Contributio n t o remedia l performanc e Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 3 . Descriptio n o f

alternativ e technologie s Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 4 . Applicabl e o r

relevan t an dappropriat e requirement s Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . 5 . Projec t schedul e Th e duratio n o f

activitie s i s expecte dt o b e a n additiona l tw o month s ( 5 month s total) , dependin g upo n weathe r

condition s an dscheduling , an dth e availability o f disposa l contractor s an dothers . B . Estimate dCost s Extramura l Cost s Cleanu p Contracto r

$850,00 0 STAR T $600,00 0 Previou s Cost s $353,457.2 6 TOTAL , EXTRAMURA L COST S $1,803,457.2 6VII . EXPECTE D CHANG E I N TH E SITUATIO N SHOUL D ACTIO N B E DELAYE D O RNO T TAKE N Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . VII L OUTSTANDIN G POLIC Y ISSUE S Se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . IX . ENFORCEMEN T Als o se e origina l Actio n Memorandum . (Direc t Cost ) + (Othe r

Direct ) + (42.14 % o f

Tota l Direc t

{Indirec t Cost} ) = Estimate d EP A Cos t fo r aRemova l Actio n ($1,803,457.26 ) + ($180,346 ) + (42.14 % x 1,983,803.26 ) = $2,819,777.9 5 Als o se e original Actio n Memorandum . X . RECOMMENDATIO N Thi s decisio n documen t

represent s th e selecte dremoval actio n for th e HAA s o f

th e MD I Superfun dSit e locate din Houston , Harri s County , Texa s develope din accordanc e wit h CERCL A a s amended , an dno t inconsistent

wit h th e NCP . Thi s als o document s you r verbal approva l fo r

th e ceilin g increas e an dth e amende dactio n o n Septembe r 8 , 200 3 Thi s decisio n i s basedo n th e Administrativ e Recor dfor th e Site . Condition s a

t th e Sit e mee t

th e criteri aa s define db y 4 0 CF RSectio n 300.415(b)(2 ) of

th e NC P fo r aremoval . Th e tota l projec t ceilin g wil l b e $1,803,457.26 . APPROVE D fyl ^ I

U^UV ^y ^f DAT E Attachment s