On July 17th, Unocal Corporation submitted an application to conduct Phase II abandonment activities, such as removal of subsurface facility components, site remediation, and restoration, at the former Battles Gas Plant. The pipes are buried to a depth of five feet, and located throughout the site. A Corrective Action Plan is included as part of the application package. This Plan identifies the chemicals of concern, identifies populations which may be at risk, calculates the risk-based cleanup levels, identifies the chemicals that exceed the cleanup levels, and finally, discusses the recommended remediation alternatives. PCB contamination is localized near the former compressor house area to a depth of less than 2 feet.
Mercury contamination occurs around the former meter repair shop.
Mercury at concentrations greater than 260 ppm will require special treatment and handling. Abandonment of the Point Pedernales gas pipeline, from Stubblefield Valve to the former Battles Gas Plant will also be addressed as part of the permitting process. The County is reviewing the application and Corrective Action Plan for completeness. Once the County determines that the application is complete, environmental review will be conducted to determine the significance of impacts associated with the proposed project.