second phase metropolis towers chromium cleanup presentation to residents september 4, 2013
TRANSCRIPT
Second Phase
Metropolis Towers
Chromium Cleanup Presentation to Residents
September 4, 2013
2
Overview Chrome processing in Hudson County Settlement agreement Health and safety measures Scope of Metropolis Towers cleanup Review of first phase What to expect during second phase Preparations for third phase Update on basement of Building No. 2 Questions and answers
From 1905 to 1976, Hudson County was a center for chrome manufacturing, processing chromite ore imported from around the world
Waste from two plants in Jersey City and one in Kearny was used as fill at construction sites
PPG Industries purchased a plant on Garfield Avenue in 1954 and ceased operations in 1963, selling the facility and property in 1964
Chrome in Hudson County
In 2009, NJDEP, Jersey City and PPG signed a settlement in Superior Court in which they agreed to a process to clean up PPG chromium sites in Hudson County, including Metropolis Towers Created new position of an independent, court-
appointed Site Administrator with responsibility to develop a master schedule and to facilitate cleanup-related activities among the parties
Created new position of an independent technical consultant to assist site administrator and provide technical review and work plan evaluation in support of NJDEP regulatory responsibilities
Settlement Agreement
Health and Safety Measures Health and safety of the surrounding community and
workers during site excavation is a top priority Multiple, overlapping, prevention and protection measures
have been adopted at all sites, including Metropolis Towers:Dust Suppression Plan Entire Site Air Monitoring PlanResident Safety and Security PlanTraffic Safety and Control Plan
Developed by experienced experts for PPG Reviewed by Independent Technical Consultant, NJDEP and
City/ERFS
Chromium contaminated soil is being removed at Metropolis Towers in accordance with NJDEP Chromium Policy residential requirements
Contaminated soil is being hauled off-site to a licensed disposal facility
Clean fill is being placed in excavated areas
When complete in September 2014, 37,000 tons of soil and debris will have been removed
Scope of Cleanup – Phases 1, 2, 3
Work began in March
Approximately 6,000 tons of contaminated soil and debris were excavated and hauled away
Excavation was completed in accordance with DEP regulations
Work area was completed in July
No injuries or lost-time incidents
Phase 1 is Complete
Air Monitoring Results Chrome and dust
were well within safety levels during first phase
Air monitoring conducted 24/7
Stringent air monitoring and dust control continue in Phase 2 and 3
Multiple air monitors located throughout the site
Examples of Air Monitoring Locations
Work Zone
Air Monitors
Worker Hand Held
Air Monitoring Website
Website displays results for dust and chrome
Dust concentrations serve as a real-time indicator for possible hexavalent chromium concentrations
Hexavalent chromium samples require laboratory analysis
www.chromecleanup.com
Phase 2 Begins Sept. 23 Contaminated soil between buildings 1 and 2 (formerly the old “mall/plaza”) will be excavated
Work will be conducted weekdays beginning at 7:30 a.m. and could last until 6 p.m.
Approximate average depth of excavation is 12 feet
Phase 2 to be completed March 2014
Fence will separate work zone from residents. Entrance on Montgomery will be closed to vehicular
and pedestrian traffic so PPG can use gate as construction entrance and exit.
Residents who park in the north and east lots will use a gate being opened on Columbus.
Residents who park in the west lot will use a gate being opened on Montgomery.
A pedestrian gate on Montgomery will be installed to provide access to the south.
Resident Access
Residents who park in areas affected by the second phase of the cleanup will be offered temporary parking passes at the 66 Columbus Drive garage.
Residents affected by the parking restrictions should attend one of three meetings to obtain their pass: Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
All cars in affected area must move offsite by Saturday, Sept. 21.
Look for a flier with more information.
Temporary Parking
Phase 3 to Completion
PHASE
3
PHASE
2
PHASE
1
PSE&G ELECTRICAL LINES
Phase 3 follows immediately after Phase 2 Health and safety measures continue Before Phase 3 can begin electrical lines in the path of excavation owned by PSE&G must be deactivated and rerouted Average depth of excavation will 8 to 10 feet.
New Route for Electrical Lines
PSE&G ELECTRICAL LINES
New lines will be installed in easement on north side of property
New lines will bypass excavation and connect with existing lines on north side of Building Nos. 1 and 2
New lines will be installed and switched on before Phase 3 begins next March
A meeting to brief residents on what to expect will be conducted before the third phase begins
Work is expected to begin immediately after the second phase is finished, which is scheduled for next March
Cleanup work and restoration of the property are expected to be complete by next September
Meeting Before Phase 3
Workers for PPG discovered a small patch of hexavalent chromium on a support column in the boiler room as part of a post-Hurricane Sandy inspection
A protective seal was immediately placed over the area preventing any exposure to workers and residents
Since then, PPG has conducted an investigation and taken samples throughout the basement
Delineation of the column is complete and the protective seal will continue to cover the affected area
Final boiler room remedial action plan will be shared with residents
Basement of Building No. 2
Questions and Answers
Site Administrator Telephone: 201-777-2099 Email: [email protected] Mail: P.O. Box 15981, Jersey City, N.J. 07305
PPG Industries: Telephone: 201-938-0909 Email: [email protected] Mail: P.O. Box 15756, Jersey City, N.J. 07305 Office: 90 Forrest St.,
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment
NJDEP Telephone: 800-253-5647
Contact Us