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FORT HALL — An informational update of the Eastern Michaud Flats (EMF) was held on Wednesday, July 11 in the Tribal Business Center to provide information involving the FMC removal plan, Pond 16S, the overall FMC hazardous waste pond status and ongoing FMC and Simplot Superfund work.
FMC and Simplot conduct ongoing monitoring data that is reported to EPA. The biggest discussion during the meeting was concerning Pond 16S, according to cap leak monitor, is releasing unknown phosphorus gases.
The information only meeting was hosted by EPA Region 10, and invited representatives of FMC and Simplot gave introductions but did not respond to any topics. The meeting was held in the Tribal Business Center Council Chambers.
EPA confirmed phosphine is detected leaking from Pond 16S but it is not known exactly where the emission is coming from.
Phosphine is a common name for phosphorus hydride, a colorless, flammable gas with a boiling point of —88 degrees C at standard pressure. Technical grade phosphine has a highly unpleasant order. However, at this point, the reported phosphine gases at Pond 16S is unknown.
So far, samples collected from the Pond 16S area and monitoring indicate Phosphine and other toxic gasses, are not detected in ambient air downwind of Pond 16S. Phosphine is detected at the surface of Pond 16S. Phosphine gas is detected in soils near the surface at the perimeter of Pond 16S.
Some data has come back and there is still more data to be received by the end of July.
The meeting was one of two hosted by EPA and the other was in Pocatello on Thursday, July 12.
EPA Team Leader for EMF, Mark Masarik began the meeting explaining there are three authorative entities involved including the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the federal agencies (EPA) and for the smaller portion is FMC and the State of Idaho—Environmental Air Quality.
“The issues are technical, legal and jurisdictional cases,” said Masarik.
FMC first began operations in 1947 and monitoring began in 1990. The first pond did not have a liner.
The concern the Tribes have is the monitoring and questioned EPA why Tribal authorities could not go onsite without prior approval and questioned the accuracy of the companies doing monitoring.
EPA Representative Linda Meyer stated that was specifications within the FMC Consent Decree. EPA she said is acting on behalf of the Tribes.
“The order only says EPA and FMC. We don’t know if it can be modified,” stated Meyer, “EPA is acting on behalf of the tribes and does work closely with Kelly Wright.”
Wright is the Tribes CERCLA/RCRA Program Manager/Environmental Scientist.
Fort Hall Business Council Vice Chairman Lee Juan Tyler also stated that tribal members should be allowed out there to help monitor.
“Since 2005 the Tribes reported (the gas emissions) to EPA and not getting any feedback,” stated Tyler, “There’s a gap there. We need some of our people to co-monitor in good faith for the future.”
Smoke emissions have been seen in 2006 of January and September from Pond 16S from the tempering monitoring ports from the phosphine waste ponds.
The tempering monitor verified generation of high levels of phosphine gas, was collected in eight wells on top of their cap.
There are eight RCRA ponds containing waste with the smallest pond of 3.2 acres, and the largest pond at 12.9 acres.
EPA issued a CERCLA order to FMC in December 2006 requiring FMC to characterize the gas generation problem under Pond 16S cap, conduct ambient air monitoring and the cap leak detection monitoring. To design, build and operate a gas extraction and treatment system to reduce gas concentration.
Smoke was the indicator from the ambient air monitoring and the cap leak monitor, which alarmed EPA of the gas releases.
The overall Eastern Michaud Flats EPA investigation began in 1990 resulting in a Superfund Record of Decision in 1998. Off-Plant area added work in the Simplot area and a remedy was implemented in 2002 of a groundwater extraction system.
When FMC closed and the original investigative scope forecast that now is not currently in operation, there was risks and waste of materials remaining.
Simplot is now implemented into the consent decree and is too working with arsenic materials.
EPA is addressing all sites to be closed and there is no remedy. There is also ground testing for other contaminants such as solvents and paint going on this summer.
FHBC member Nathan Small stated the Tribes want a more definition by FMC to what they put in the system to their preliminary design.
“Is this a proven extraction and treatment, is this a standard way of treating gas?” questioned Small.
EPA officials admitted this is not a proven system for a safe treatment.
“This is a disposal site,” said FHBC Vice Chairman Tyler.
EPA Remedial Project Manager Christopher Cora stated by the end of July per schedule, FMC will provide EPA with a gas characterization report and are expecting a 100 percent design.
Tribal member Blaine Edmo stated that FMC and EPA is experimenting.
“This is volatile and shouldn’t be putting this treatment in the ponds,” said Edmo, “Your violating your own EPA regulations. You need to remove (the ponds). You’re experimenting at our expense.”
Edmo also stated the remedy to everything is to cap it.
“In the 1970’s, arsenic then was pretty high,” said FHBC member Small, “We found arsenic then, there were heavy metals and this has been ongoing.”
Tyler stated that Mother Earth is taking the drain and she provides for all.
“The water. We have more technology now. So let’s fix it. Let’s all work together, even the companies. We know it’s all about money,” stated Tyler.
EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Sue Skinner said a lot of people don’t speak publicly and asked for help to push for ideas on how to remedy the issues being discussed.
Skinner can be reached at (208) 282-4326 or emailed at skinner.susan@epa.gov
FHBC Member Anthony Broncho said that the Tribes did contact EPA in 2005 of possible emissions from Pond 16S and again in January of 2006.
“In 1993-1994 FMC was one of two Superfund sites that was allowed 30-40 year clean up and now everything is just a bandage out there,” said council member Broncho, “This is a short cut getting rid of everything but underground it’s still there.”
Simplot is applying to expand the Gypstack Pile which contains arsenic contaminated groundwater, however according to the law, the gypstack groundwater was allowed to be reused to prevent groundwater from going off Simplot site.
Cora stated that there are 350 gallons a minute of groundwater flowing in that area.
“To know what your dealing with have to dig for samples,” said Cora, “They cap wastes all the time. There’s presumptions, but does show there’s a risk.”
EPA promoted the capping of areas that have not been sampled and the Superfund work is looking to do a “presumptive remedy.”
EPA also noted that this is an ongoing process and another meeting will be held to give awareness of other ponds. No actual date is set but a public notice will be out.