Blazosky Associates, Inc. (BAI) was contacted to evaluate an alleged drum burial site in Erie, Pennsylvania.  With interviews of plant personnel, a review of historical records and a field investigation utilizing surface geophysical methods, the specific location of buried drums containing unknown plant-process wastes was determined.  Through a subsequent field investigation and careful partial excavation of the buried drums, the number, condition, and contents of the drums were determined.

At the request of the Erie County Department of Health (ECDH) and of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP), a site remediation plan for the excavation and disposal of these drums was developed and approved.  Due to the toxic nature of the contents of some of these drums, multiple approvals were required for various disposal methods.

Based upon technical justification provided by BAI, a ground-water assessment program was determined to be unnecessary for this site.  The regulatory personnel involved accepted BAI's proposal to excavate the drums and surrounding soils for off-site disposal.

In accordance with the site health and safety plan (HASP) prepared by BAI, and with the assistance of a subcontractor, the area was re-excavated and the drums and soils were excavated, sampled, and transferred to overpacks for transportation to treatment/disposal facilities.   BAI assisted in examining various disposal methods and locations before selecting those most cost-effective.

Following receipt of the necessary approvals and issuance of an EPA identification number, the wastes and contaminated soils were removed and transported to the  disposal facilities.  After backfilling and revegetation of the area, no further action was required.  This clean closure was performed to the satisfaction of all parties.