EPA Completes Cleanup of Freedom, Maine Warehouse

EPA has completed the successful removal of thousands of 5-gallon-or-smaller sized containers present at 28 Skidgel Lane in Freedom, Maine. $368,000 was spent to identify and properly dispose of a variety of substances, leftover from a family-run retail operation. The initial site inspections that led to this cleanup effort were a result of coordination between the U.S. EPA and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Solvents, thinners, pesticides, herbicides and adhesives were found stored in significant quantities in a warehouse on the property as remnants left behind from the family business. The warehouse building was found to be dilapidated with unrestricted access and therefore it was determined that the containers of hazardous substances posed a risk to human health from potential exposure.

EPA site investigators found that the containers needed to be removed to prevent further exposure to harsh weather conditions, which would have increased the chances of container damage and accidental release into the environment. Nearby areas of concern included groundwater, nearby private wells, and Sandy Stream, a local fishing area.

Work began in early December of 2007 and was completed on schedule and within budget by mid-February 2008. By the completion, over 50 cubic-yard boxes had been filled with paints, adhesives, pesticides, chrome and metal cleaners as well as cement and wood stains. Over 10,000 pounds of paints and adhesives, 1,500 pounds of combustible or flammable liquids and 350 kilograms of PCBs were among the most significant hazardous categories removed from the Skidgel’s property. With the help of current property owners, EPA was able to locate likely areas of stored containers for appropriate removal.