CERCLA Site Remediation and Closure
Trihydro conducted environmental remediation at a closed Indiana industrial facility, addressing hazardous wastes under EPA oversight following CERCLA protocols. The project included waste removal, piping cleaning, and stakeholder coordination, achieving a “No Further Action” designation and supporting the site’s repurposing as a heavy transportation facility.
Trihydro was retained by 17 Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) to complete waste removal and decontamination at a closed industrial waste processing facility. Prior to bankruptcy, the site operated as a centralized water treatment facility for used oil and wastewater. Trihydro provided environmental services under an Administrative Settlement and Order on Consent (ASAOC), negotiated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region V, following a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) removal and decontamination action.
Process chemicals and wastes had accumulated and were improperly stored at the facility. These chemicals and wastes included recycled oils, oily sludges, including oily polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated sludge, wastewater, caustic soda, hydrogen peroxide, and sulfuric acid.
Project Activities
The project involved the following tasks:
- Managing and disposing of more than 5 million gallons of impacted stormwater runoff generated from the facility during waste removal actions
- Removing and disposing of 536,000 gallons of bulk liquid waste and over 8,000 tons of stabilized waste
- Cleaning over 5 miles of interconnected process piping
- Coordinating more than 50 stakeholders, including PRPs and their legal representatives, regulatory officials, and an active community interest group
- Assisting with community relations efforts
- Preparing the final closure document for the PRPs release from further environmental requirements
Data Management
Trihydro used its proprietary data management system as an online clearinghouse for analytical data, daily progress reports, site photographs, and draft document collaboration and distribution. Trihydro allowed PRPs direct online access to relevant site and project information by establishing several access permission levels. PRPs could also collaborate and provide review comments on draft reports and status memoranda.
Regulatory officials were provided access to daily site activity summaries, final documents, and the photograph repository. Select members of the community interest group could access weekly work summaries and planned activities. Trihydro’s data management system allowed the more than 50 stakeholders to remain informed on project developments and avoid negative publicity for onsite activities.
The project successfully received a “No Further Action” designation, and the governing Consent Order was subsequently rescinded. The site has since been repurposed as a heavy transportation operations facility.
