CODE was contracted to perform the final phase of remediation at the Boarhead Farms Superfund Site in Upper Black Eddy, PA. This involved final removal and off-site disposal of unknown buried drums located in 25 Areas of Concern (AOCs) spread over 30 acres.

The identified AOCs were thought to contain drums and containers of acutely toxic materials buried from shallow depths to 15 fbgs. As such, CODE performed a significant amount of excavation in Level B PPE, with Level A backup.

CODE's HHRT removed, identified, sampled, and categorized 600+ drums from the identified AOCs. All materials were overpacked for off-site treatment, incineration, and final disposal. Some substantial amounts of the materials were found to be very concentrated acids, including chromic, sulfuric, and acrylic. Containers of PCBs had levels in excess of 40,000 ppm. Several drums containing the highly reactive and toxic Methacrylolyl-Chloride were discovered with a Flash point of 2ºC. As one of the compounds on the EPA’s “List of Extremely Hazardous Substances,” these materials were managed in Level A PPE during all phases of handling and packaging. For temporary on-site storage, CODE constructed an earthen vault with sun reflective shields.

More than 4,000 tons of impacted soils also were removed from the site as part of the contracted SOW. Remediated areas were backfilled with certified clean material, graded for proper drainage, and restored per contract requirements.

Other work performed by CODE at the included site monitoring well abandonment and installation, building demolition and restoration, and various site improvements.

Work at the site was often performed under severe conditions. Climactic events impacting the work included 43" of rain and a mild earthquake. Despite these challenges, CODE met the project schedule to the complete satisfaction of both the client and involved regulatory agencies.