November 10, 1999

Recently, you may have received the November 1999 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Newsletter informing you of a community meeting regarding soils cleanup activities planned for the Apache Powder Superfund site. The meeting was held November 9, 1999, in St. David. EPA’s Newsletter provides details on the Trinitrotoluene (TNT)-contaminated soils removal action planned for December 1999.

In preparation for the planned TNT removal action, which is scheduled to occur between December 6, 1999 and December 17, 1999, Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc. (Apache) conducted a small-scale TNT test-burn on Wednesday, November 10th. Oversight was provided by the EPA, and two Apache consultants, Hargis+Associates, and Denova Environmental, Inc. During the test-burn, approximately five pounds of TNT-contaminated soil was burned. The test-burn was conducted outdoors on Apache’s property at a secure location just north of the plant operations area. The test-burn occurred between the hours of 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The test-burn provided an opportunity for Apache and its contractors to appropriately prepare for the full-scale TNT removal action. The burn was a success. The contaminated soil did not react as strongly as was anticipated. This indicates that the actual pre-treat burn should go smoothly.

The full-scale removal action will be conducted in three phases; excavation, on-site pre-treatment and off site treatment/disposal. The EPA and Hargis + Associates will provide oversight of the removal which will be performed by Denova Environmental, Inc. The TNT materials will be hand excavated and moved to the pre-treatment area located on Apache’s property. Because of the sensitive nature of TNT, Apache and EPA have decided to pre-treat the TNT materials on-site prior to transporting them off site. Pre-treatment will consist of burning the high concentration TNT in a controlled environment to reduce the concentration of TNT to a level where it may be transported safely. Pre-treatment was deemed necessary to avoid transporting potentially dangerous explosive materials from Apache to the ultimate disposal facility, which is located in Aragonite, Utah.

Necessary safety precautions will be fully implemented during the test-burn and full-scale removal action. Appropriate emergency personnel have been notified and will remain on alert throughout the duration of the remediation activities. Apache is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and for the surrounding community. Should anyone like more information regarding TNT, there is an informative web site at "www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts81.html". If you have any questions please call 520-720-2190.