As detailed in an Action Memorandum dated September 25, 2013, EPA had initially identified approximately 50 properties in the Birmingham communities of Fairmont, Harriman Park, and Collegeville that exhibited levels of soil contamination that exceed, either threefold or a magnitude of measure, Region 4 residential removal management levels for lead, arsenic, and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to contamination deposited by airborne means over the previous 100 years, or potential contaminant migration due to flooding, these properties likely received fill material from one or more of the local industrial businesses. For further discussion of background information, please refer to previous POLREPs for this Site.

Early in the removal action for the 50 homes, EPA amended the original scope of work to allow for greater consistency with remedial goals that provide for a more permanent remedy. An Action Memorandum dated March 12, 2014 described the amended scope of work.

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated August 11, 2014, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where the soil concentrations for contaminants of concern exceed Region 4 Removal Management Levels and children either live there or routinely and frequently visit.  This change of scope included approximately 30 properties, including the Collegeville Center and North Birmingham Homes public housing developments. 

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated January 6, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed two times the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for carcinogens; specifically arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene.  This change of scope included approximately 35 properties.  

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated July 20, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for contaminants of concerns; specifically arsenic, lead, and benzo[a]pyrene.  This change of scope includes approximately 260 properties.  

Phase 4 Removal Activities:

One hundred forty residential properties have been addressed in Phase 4 with approximately 139 identified properties remaining.  Number of identified properties continue to change as properties identified for removal action is added.  Total of 260 residential properties including three schools and two apartment complexes have been addressed since removal activities began.  

Drought Conditions: 

Severe drought conditions remain in Birmingham area.  However, significant rainfall for past 2 weeks have impeded Site activities.  Currently, Site activities are focused on vacant lots due to drought restrictions on watering lawns/sod. Activities may resume to occupied residential properties depending on drought conditions.  

Sampling:

Sampling activities for 98 vacant residential properties where judicially authorized access was granted are ongoing.  Access was granted on October 20, 2016, and will be available for 90 days.  About a dozen properties remain to be sampled.  Warrant copy is being placed on residential property prior to sampling and then removed once sampling activities are complete.  One-page flyer with details of ongoing sampling and EPA contacts information was given to sampling team in case of questions/concerns.  EPA OSCs, CIC, and Tetra-Tech have been knocking on doors adjacent to maintained judicially authorized access properties prior to sampling to see if adjacent owners may be owners of empty lots.    

Disposal:

About 27,000 tons of contaminated soil have been excavated and transported to an approved landfill.  

Access Agreements:

EPA received five signed access agreements during November.  

Community Outreach:

OSC continue to meet with community members at the Command Post or at their respective properties to answer questions regarding the pending excavation efforts and respond to their concerns.  

Air Monitoring:

START continues to monitor site conditions including air monitoring and sampling as well as removal documentation and soil profiling as directed by the OSC.  Air sampling has included periodic personnel air sampling on a representative ground technician and an excavator operator. To date, air monitoring indicates all operations are well controlled and have minimized blowing dusts.  

2.4.1 Estimated Costs

Current TO/TDD*                             Budgeted              Total to Date        Remaining

ERRS                                            $7,150,000             $6,142,338                  $1,007,662

START 4 Removal (OTIE) $974,295          $704,710             $269,585

START 4 Investigation (OTIE)                 $1,557,637            $1,187,332            $370,305

START 4 Community Involvement (TT)      $331,299    $304,293      $27,006

START 4 Investigation (TT) $142,441     $127,130     $15,311

START 4 FOIA (OTIE)                              $10,000            $5,000                      $5,000

Closed TO/TDD*                                     Amount

ERRS                                                     $6,515,000            

START R5 Crossover                             $340,000

START GSA Bridge Contract                    $357,164

START R7 Crossover CI                       $43,493

START 3 CI                                             $102,178

ERRS, START 4 Removal, START R5 Crossover, START GSA Bridge Contract, START R7 Crossover Community Involvement (CI), and START 3 CI should count towards Action Memo ceiling.  

START Removal costs include START 4 Removal, START R5 Crossover, START R7 Crossover CI, and START 3 CI.

* The above accounting of expenditures is an estimate based on figures known to the OSC at the time this report was written. The OSC does not necessarily receive specific figures on final payments made to any contractor(s). Other financial data which the OSC must rely upon may not be entirely up-to-date. The cost accounting provided in this report does not necessarily represent an exact monetary figure which the government may include in any claim for cost recovery.