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Environmental News
For more information can.
Frank Gardner, EPA On -Scene Coordinator, (617) 860-4309
Amy Rogers, EPA Community Relations Coordinator, (617) 565-3574
Theresa Barao, MA Dept. of Env. Protection, (508) 946-2724
Scott Leite, Mansfield Health Department, (508) 261-7366
For Immediate Releasey August 16, 1995,i Release # 95-8-8
EPA & DEP-TACKLE HAZARDOUS WASTE THREAT
AT DEFUNCT 'WOOD TREATMENT PLANT
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Boston -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced
today that a $1.4 million cleanup has removed more than 120,000
gallons of unsafely stored hazardous chemicals and nearly 300
drums of sludge and other hazardous substances from the Hathaway;
& Patterson Company,Inc. Superfund Site at 15 County Street in
Mansfield, Mass.
The EPA removed dangerous wood treatment chemicals which were
stored unsafely when the facility closed. The chemicals,
including pentachlorophenol (PCP), arsenic,' chromium, and acids
were in concentrated forms capable of causing acute eye, skin,
and respiratory damage to people who come in contact with them.
Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may cause convulsions or
damage the lungs, liver, ,and kidneys.
When the cleanup began, tanks and piping in which these chemicals,
were stored were in immediate danger of rupturing due to freezing
conditions. The 40-acre site, located near the center of town; is
surrounded by residential and commercial properties, and there
had been evidence of trespassing. Fire, vandalism, or releases
from ruptured tanks and piping at the facility would pose a
safety risk to the nearby community, responding fire fighters,
and the environment.. If these chemicals were spilled, fish and
other life in the Rumford River and surrounding wetland would be
impacted.
During the cleanup, EPA removed and safely disposed of a variety
Of wood treatment chemicals, waste sludge, and laboratory
chemicals. Chemical tanks and pits, floor drains, and pipes were
cleaned out. Because of past chemical spills onto bare soil,
approximritely 2.5 acres of the 40 acre site were covered with a
(more)
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heavy landscaping fabric, compacted gravel,. and in some places,
asphalt_.. This cover will protect against erosion and prevent
anyone from coming in contact with the contamination. To
restrict public access to the site, additional fencing will be
installed and buildings and.tanks locked.
An estimated $350,000 in waste disposal costs was saved by ,an
innovative re -use of a wood treatment chemical. Approximately
40,000 gallons of copper chromium arsenate solution were shipped
to another wood treatment facility for use in their wood
treatment processes.
"This cleanup has resulted in a significantly safer site, cleaner
environment, and cost -savings to the public and the industry of
Massachusetts,1, said aohn P. De.Villars, regional administrator
for EPA -New England. "I commend DEP, Mansfield officials, and
EPA -New England staff for the mutual respect and teamwork that
made this success possible.''
Throughout the cleanup, DEP provided valuable assistance to EPA.
DEP facilitated the cost -saving re -use of chemicals and removed
Oil, which is not regulated under the federal Superfund. DEP
provided valuable technical information about the extent of
contamination and the site's history. Upon completion of EPA's
removal action, DEP will assume the lead responsibility for the
site to address soil, groundwater and river contamination.
"This has been a complex cleanup requiring a partnership from a
variety of agencies," noted George Crombie, DEP Regional
Director. "DEP will continue to work closely with officials
regarding further remediation actions at the site.,,
SITE HISTORY
The Hatheway & Patterson Company, Inc. was a wood treatment
facility operating .at the site from 19s3 to April 1993. The
company preserved wood and wood products until they declared
bankruptcy in February 1993. During their 40 years of operation
the company used a variety of treatment chemicals. Wood was
dipped in chemical preservatives, and excess was allowed to drip
directly onto the ground. Eventually outdoor "drip pads" were
installed to collect the excess. In 1992, the company,s
President denied access to EPA, inspectors who visited the site.
After a warrant was issued, EPA discovered that the "drip pads"
were in poor condition, allowing chemicals to runoff onto the
ground. The environmental problems were referred to EPA's
Superfund cleanup program for action.
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