Hazardous waste remedial action — Picillo Farm, Coventry, Rhode Island; an overview

Abstract

Following the discovery of buried chemical wastes which caused a fire and explosion at the Picillo Farm in Coventry, Rhode Island, the State of Rhode I A hydrogeological site investigation was conducted which included ground and surface water monitoring, seismic studies and ground penetrating radar. Fo Cleanup of the first trench began in summer 1980 and concluded that fall, with 2300 barrels being removed. Planning for the second trench excavation an In November 1980, invitation to bid on the excavation and disposal of barrels from the so called northwest trench was requested. When the U.S. EPA offe Subsequently, Rhode Island decided to assume the excavation portion of the project and dispose of the wastes as far as funding would allow. Mobilizatio In the excavation phase of the work effort, a total of 4400 barrels of hazardous wastes were removed: 40% contained liquid hazardous waste, 40% solid h Site preparation, placement of work areas, excavation and waste transfer techniques, air quality monitoring and operational problem areas are among top This paper addresses the chronology of events which took place during the 1981 cleanup efforts, comments upon the variety of problems encountered and d The cleanup of unauthorized hazardous waste sites presents varied operational and environmental problems. This paper attempts to provide insight into t Field and off-site disposal analyses proved to be a problem in terms of turnaround time and procedural techniques. Particular attention must be paid to One of the primary operational constraints involves reducing the risk of injury and adverse health effects to personnel working on site and the surroun Funding of a project of this scope must account for the significant unknown factors associated with hazardous wast cleanup, i.e., What is the amount an Every attempt must be made closely monitor contractual obligations. Thorough negotiations and understanding prior to commencement of a project will red No hazardous waste disposal activity can be risk free. Therefore, safety precautions are paramount. Yet budget limitations are real and require conside The generation of contaminated soil poses a significant disposal problem. Successful efforts were made to limit this problem in Phase II in terms of th Finally, and most importantly, all activities should be closely coordinated with any citizens organization or affected group that deals with the issues