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NPL Site Narrative for Standard Steel&Metals Salvage Yard(USDOT
STANDARD STEEL & METAL SALVAGE YARD (USDOT)
Anchorage, Alaska
Federal Register Notice: August 30, 1990Conditions at proposal (July 14, 1989): The Standard Steel & Metal Salvage Yard covers 6.2 acres in a heavily industrialized area of Anchorage, Alaska. The Federal Railroad Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), acquired the land in the 1920s.
Since 1972, the land has been leased to several different recyclers whose activities included reclamation of PCB-contaminated electrical transformers, processing of various types of equipment and drums from nearby military bases, and salvaging of assorted batteries. In November 1982, the land was leased to Standard Steel & Metals, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy, although it is still operating.
In May 1987, EPA detected high levels of lead and PCBs and lower levels of tetrachloroethylene in on-site ground water. Over 121,000 people obtain drinking water from blended water systems that draw primarily from surface water but also use wells within 3 miles of the site on a standby basis.
In November 1985, EPA detected low levels of PCBs in sediment of nearby Ship Creek, which is used for sport fishing.
Using CERCLA emergency funds, EPA has conducted removal actions at the site during the summer seasons since 1986. EPA removed surface wastes -- including an estimated 8,500 batteries, 175 transformers, 1,100 drums, 3 bulk storage tanks, assorted containers, and metal debris -- and transported the materials to EPA-regulated disposal facilities. Work during the 1988 season completed the removal action by securing the site in preparation for long-term cleanup. EPA's 1988 activities included sealing the soil surface in the most highly contaminated areas, removing the remaining containers of hazardous materials, and reworking and strengthening the security fence.
EPA plans to negotiate for further cleanup with parties potentially responsible for wastes associated with the site.
Status (August 30, 1990): EPA has completed preliminary contacts with the State and USDOT for this site. An Interagency Agreement under CERCLA Section 120 will be negotiated to facilitate investigation and cleanup.
For more information about the hazardous substances identified in this narrative summary, including general information regarding the effects of exposure to these substances on human health, please see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs. ATSDR ToxFAQs can be found on the Internet at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html or by telephone at 1-888-42-ATSDR or 1-888-422-8737.