USVI Public Records

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I I I \ I 1 The documentat .ndicates that large releases of gasoline have occurred in die paai, n«».—_ w to 150 gallons in 6/8124 and 4,072 gallons in 198736. Tank tightness testing in 1980 and tank inspections in 1988 confirmed that three underground storage tanks had lost integrity. When these tanks were finally removed, it was noted that strong odors of petroleum hydrocarbons and elevated HNu readings were recorded in the excavation26. EPA contractors in 1989 also noted a lack of containment for the drum storage area, and stains and petroleum saturated soils have been noted on the property26. A DPNR inspection of the facility in 1987 revealed seven violations of Virgin Islands regulation related to improper hazardous waste storage, soil contamination, illicit septic system hookup, and contamination of a storm sewer. During ADL's tour of the property in October 1993 we also noted a lack of secondary containment for drum storage areas and petroleum-like staining on the ground. An inspection of the Texaco station by Mr. Carlos Garrett of GVA Consultants in 1991 indicated that an oil/water separator was connected to an infiltration pit The infiltration pit reportedly contained about I 1/2 feet of free product on the surface48. This infiltration pit would have a tendency to enhance degradation of chlorinated solvents in the same manner as the Esso infiltration described in Section 2.3. The chemical sampling record for the Texaco station indicates that TCA (2400 ug/kg) was present in Texaco's waste oil in August 1987 and, in September 1988 DCE (10 ug/kg) was found in soil samples. In June 1988 soil samples were found to contain TCE (39 ug/kg) and PCE (160 ug/kg) . In July 1989, waste oil samples were collected that contained TCA (3900 ug/kg). In 1987, a soil gas survey of the Texaco station area conducted by GeoScience Consultants Ltd. showed PCE in air collected from the unsaturated zone37. In summary, the Texaco station used and continues to use chlorinated solvents such as PCE, and their waste management practices are such that ground water at the site could readily become contaminated. In addition, their use of a septic tank for waste disposal further enhances the potential for chlorinated solvent degradation to other chlorinated compounds (i.e., TCE, DCE, and vinyl chloride). 2.5 Ramsay Motor Company/Cobuiid Ramsay Motor Company initiated operations in the Tutu area about 19784. Ramsay is located northeast of Four Winds Plaza along Tutu Gut Ramsay Motor operations include at least three vehicle maintenance bays, an underground waste oil storage tank, a large scrap parts building, a vehicle painting operation, and a large drum storage area. Prior to Ramsay's operation, Cobuild operated a car repair facility from about 1974 to 19784. A CERCLA 104(e) notification for the facility indicates that waste oil, a large variety of solvent based auto flushes, treatments, degreasers, cleaners, and lubricants were used at the facility. The hazardous chemicals present in these products includes TCA and PCE27. During ADL's tour of the Ramsay facility in October 1993, we observed a brake parts ArthirD Little TIIT °06 °577 *64625* 64625 cleaner that contains PCE and TCA, and a degreaser parts washer on-site. The two soil samples installed on-site both contained PCE (2 to 6 ug/kg)6. Samples from a ground water well along the northern portion of the property also contained chlorinated solvents. The underground storage tank was backfilled rather than removed, so it is difficult to assess its integrity. During ADL's field tour of the Ramsay facility, we noted that about 40 to 50 drums are present on-site, many with open tops, and obvious staining on the drums and at the drum base. The drums did not appear to be labeled, and have reportedly been stored on-site since Water and Power Authority (WAPA) stopped receiving waste about eight years ago3. The contents of these drums are not known by facility personnel. We also noted that there were two storm drains on-site, one of which was dry (appeared uphill), and the other (appeared downhill) had a rapid flow despite the dry weather conditions. This indicates that there may be a discharge from the facility to the storm drain other than rainwater. We also noted unsecured gas cylinders and a building completely filled with scrap metal and a yard containing numerous junked cars. These housekeeping issues point to a disregard for careful handling of materials. The vehicle maintenance bay area was not fully cemented and there was a soil trench along the back wall where most of the tools and chemicals were stored. Prior to 1992, the drum storage area had no secondary containment3. We also observed several locations where the concrete floor was patched in geometric patterns, possibly an indication of backfilled sumps or underground piping connections. The general housekeeping and chemical management practices create a high potential for leakage and spills. Since this facility is along the gut, chemicals released to the ground surface have a good chance of reaching ground water. 2.6 Antilles/Gasset Motors/Consolidated Auto Parts Facility The Antilles facility is located northeast of Four Winds Plaza along Tutu Gut The facility began operations about 1968. Their operations include several vehicle maintenance bays and an underground and aboveground storage tank. A CERCLA 104(e) notification for the facility indicates that waste oil, engine fluids and miscellaneous chemicals were stored on-site. During ADL's October 1992 tour of the Antilles facility, we located a brake parts cleaner that contains TCE and TCA. The USEPA contractors survey of this facility indicated that messy housekeeping was present in the service yard and bays, and that waste oil was observed in a drainage ditch and had traveled off-site, and other portions of the Antilles facility were also oil stained. The USEPA contractors were not able to determine the integrity of the underground storage tank but did note that drums lacked adequate secondary containment28. The DPNR investigated the Consolidated Auto Parts Facility in 1987 and found extensive staining and improper waste disposal practices. TUT O06 0578 44l*M^«tjp«npeitM\l*-M 10 Aithir D Little