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East Washington Fluff | Site History

1997: ADEQ conducted site characterization activities. Results indicated cadmium, chromium, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fluff waste at concentrations greater than ADEQ and EPA health-based guidance levels and groundwater protection standards. ADEQ installed a 12-foot fence around the perimeter of the site and posted warning signs.

1999: The site was added to the WQARF Registry on June 16th, with a score of 22 out of a possible 120.

2000: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a targeted site assessment (TSA), in March. EPA installed and sampled three groundwater monitor wells, as part of the TSA. The wells were analyzed for total and dissolved cadmium, total and dissolved lead, total and dissolved chromium, PCBs, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The TSA indicated that the concentrations of PCBs, lead, cadmium, and arsenic in soil were above the health-based action levels.

In December, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) prepared a health consultation report in response to a request from the City of Phoenix (COP). COP requested that the ATSDR evaluate the environmental conditions and determine whether a public health hazard exists as a result of exposure to the contaminated soils at the site. The health consultation concluded:

  • A public health hazard may exist when the site fence is breached and direct contact with superficial materials and/or fluff piles, which contain PCBs, occurs.
  • Off-site exposure to contaminants in blowing dust originating from the site presents no apparent public health hazard.

2001: In April, ADEQ began an early response action (ERA). The objective of the ERA was to construct an engineered barrier to eliminate the direct exposure pathway between the contaminated media and the human population. In September approximately 5,907 tons of hazardous waste was removed from the site. A total of 819 tons of solid waste was also removed from the site. A protective soil cap was then installed at the site to prevent exposure to any remaining contamination in the soil.

2003: The draft remedial investigation (RI) report was completed and went out for public comment in July.

2006: The final RI report and feasibility study (FS) were completed.

2007: On May 18th, ADEQ filed a DEUR on the property to ensure that the engineered cap remains in place and the property is only used for non-residential uses.

2008: ADEQ sampled the soils under the removed building pad, and analytical results indicated an area of lead contamination at low levels. ADEQ removed the impacted soil (approximately 135 tons).

2010: Harrison Properties (the owner of the site) placed a layer of crushed, recycled concrete material (18 to 24 inches thick) on top of the existing engineered cap.  ADEQ expressed concerns about the concrete placement activities and the potential impacts on the integrity of the engineered cap.  At ADEQ’s request, Harrison Properties’ performed an engineering evaluation of the current approved activities, as well as activities that had already taken place at the site.  A work plan was prepared for the engineering evaluation of the placement of materials on the cap.  ADEQ approved the work plan in October.

2012: A draft Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) was submitted.

2013: The PRAP was completed and a final Record of Decision (ROD) on the site was issued. The site was then removed from the WQARF Registry.