Findings and photos from EPA’s 2009 on-site inspection of Frisco’s Exide lead smelter note crystallized substance that tested high for metals and plant-generated debris such as battery coverings, chips found along Stewart Creek
From December 14-18, 2009, a team of EPA inspectors conducted a multimedia compliance evaluation inspection of Exide Techonologies lead smelter in Frisco to evaluate the facility’s status with the:
Resource Conversation Recovery Act (RCRA)
Clean Water Act (CWA), the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
The final report was dated September 13, 2010, and Lead Free Friso posted the report in June 2011. You can find the full 1,300-page report, which includes photographs, by clicking here
Specifically, you can read the report’s REVIEW OF EXIDE’S WATED-RELATED DISCHARGES – including information about Stewart Creek – as well as see related photographs, at the following links:
Below is a screenshot of No. 5 from the Summary of Findings section of the Compliance Inspection Report. This is on Page 2 of File 6.
You will see that inspectors found a crystallized substance – that tested high for metals – along a bank of Stewart Creek. Inspectors also noted a large amount of trash and debris on the banks of Stewart Creek, and that much of the debris “was obviously generated by the facility.” This report includes numerous supporting photos of the crystallized substance, as well as photos of battery coverings and battery chips found along the banks of Stewart Creek, which runs through the Exide lead smelter property.
Below is a screenshot of diagram of the Exide plant taken from the EPA’s Exide Report File 1, page 12, with highlights showing how Stewart Creek flows through the Exide lead smelter.
And here is an image of how Stewart Creek flows through the Exide lead smelter property and into areas in current Master Plan for Grand Park.
AUGUST 2011
EPA Issues Administration Order Against Exide Frisco Citing Potential Soil and Water Contamination
More EPA / Exide information here
(also use Search Bar in upper right-hand corner of website to search for “EPA”, etc)
SEPTEMBER 2011
TCEQ Takes Formal Enforcement Action Against Frisco Exide Plant Because of Dangerously High Levels of Lead, Cadmium Found During May/June 2011 Inspections
From May 6, 2011 to June 29, 2011, the TCEQ DFW Region office conducted four separate investigations at the Frisco Exide Techonologies lead battery recycling plant to evaluate compliance with requirements for Industrial Solid Waste and Municipal Hazardous Waste.
During the inspections, TCEQ officials found dangerously high levels of lead and cadmium – enough to qualify the facility for Superfund site status, according to one expert. In its Sept. 12, formal Notice of Enforcement for Compliance Evaluation Investigation letter to Exide, the TCEQ listed 12 alleged violations and six concerns, and it noted that additional violations may be forthcoming.
You also can download and read complete copies of the related TCEQ documents below.
Among the numerous alleged violations and concerns – similar to concerns about soil and water contamination raised by the EPA in the Administration Order it levied against Exide in August – the recent TCEQ inspections found evidence of toxic discharges that raised concerns about adverse affects on downstream waters, such as Lake Lewisville, and the stream beds of Stewart Creek. Below is taken from the TCEQ investigation report:
“During the investigation, TCEQ DFW Region staff observed liquid discharging through cracks and seeps in the barrier wall into the environment (Stewart Creek embankment). The cracks and seeps in the barrier wall were observed on the Stewart Creek (south) side of the barrier wall and south of the Slag Treatment building. The analytical sample results of the soil collected at this location detected elevated concetrations of lead (Total = 3,560 mg/kg; TCLP = 2.86 mg/L).
TCEQ DFW Region staff also observed a discharge running down the barrier wall beneath the stormwater pipe that discharged to the stormwater pond. The liquids appeared to be water generated during the street sweeping activities and stormwater. According to the analytical sample results, the soil collected at this location exhibited the toxicity characteristic for lead (Total = 39,800 mg/kg; TCLP =1 27 mg/L) and cadmium (Total = 894; TCLP = 12.2 mg/L).
The discharges are occurring along the banks of Stewart Creek which runs through the facility. These discharges have the potential to adversely affect the downstream waters and stream beds of Stewart Creek.â€
You can download and read complete copies of the:
TCEQ Notice of Enforcement Against Frisco Exide Lead Smelter
TCEQ Summary of Investigation Findings Against Frisco Exide Lead Smelter
TCEQ Investigation Report for Frisco Exide Lead Smelter
More TCEQ /Exide information here
(also use Search Bar in upper right-hand corner of website to search for “TCEQ”, etc)
