HomeMy WebLinkAbout20017 Asheville Tannery PRI 2010.05.18
REPORT OF
PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT
FORMER ASHEVILLE TANNERY – 2.98-ACRE PROPERTY
339 OLD LYMAN STREET
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28801
Prepared For:
LAND-OF-SKY REGIONAL COUNCIL
339 NEW LEICESTER HIGHWAY, SUITE 140
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28806
Prepared By:
MACTEC ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING, INC.
1308 PATTON AVENUE
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28806
MACTEC PROJECT 6685-10-1870
APRIL 14, 2010
REVISED MAY 18, 2010
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina Revised May 18, 2010
MACTEC Project 6685-10-1870
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................. I
1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.2. Detailed Scope of Services ............................................................................................... 1
1.3. Significant Assumptions ................................................................................................... 3
1.4. Limitations and Exceptions .............................................................................................. 3
1.5. Special Terms and Conditions .......................................................................................... 3
1.6. User Reliance .................................................................................................................... 3
2. SITE DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Location and Legal Description ........................................................................................ 4
2.2 Site and Vicinity General Characteristics ......................................................................... 4
2.3 Current Use of the Property .............................................................................................. 4
2.4 Description of Structures, Roads and Other Improvements ............................................. 4
2.5 Current Uses of Adjoining Properties ............................................................................... 4
3. USER/OWNER-PROVIDED INFORMATION ........................................................................ 5
3.1 Title Records ..................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Environmental Liens ......................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Specialized Knowledge ..................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Commonly Known Information ........................................................................................ 6
3.5 Valuation Reduction for Environmental Issues ................................................................ 6
3.6 Owner/Property Manager/Occupant Information ............................................................. 6
3.7 Reason for Performing the Phase I ................................................................................... 6
4. RECORDS REVIEW.................................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Standard Environmental Record Sources ......................................................................... 6
4.2 Additional Environmental Record Sources ...................................................................... 9
4.3 Physical Setting Sources ................................................................................................. 10
4.4 Historical Use Information on the Property .................................................................... 11
4.5 Historical Use Information on the Adjoining Properties ................................................ 13
5. SITE RECONNAISSANCE ..................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Methodology and Limiting Conditions ........................................................................... 15
5.2 General Site Setting ........................................................................................................ 15
5.3 Exterior Observations ..................................................................................................... 15
5.4 Interior Observations ...................................................................................................... 16
6. INTERVIEWS .......................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 Interview with Owner/Occupant ..................................................................................... 16
6.2 Interview with Local Government Officials ................................................................... 16
7. FINDINGS AND OPINION ..................................................................................................... 17
8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................... 18
9. DEVIATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 18
10. ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT ......................................................... 19
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina Revised May 18, 2010
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LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A FIGURES
APPENDIX B ENVIRONMENTAL LIEN SEARCH REPORT
APPENDIX C PROPERTY RECORD CARD AND DEED INFORMATION
APPENDIX D USER QUESTIONNAIRE AND CORRESPONDANCE RECORDS
APPENDIX E REGULATORY SEARCH INFORMATION
APPENDIX F AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX G HISTORICAL INFORMATION (1939 PAMPHLET, CITY DIRECTORIES,
SANBORN MAPS, AND 1967 MAP)
APPENDIX H SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX I PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina Revised May 18, 2010
MACTEC Project 6685-10-1870
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROPERTY NAME: Former Asheville Tannery – 2.98-acre Property
LOCATION: 339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
This executive summary is provided for convenience and should not substitute for review of the
complete report, including all attachments. Based on the data collected during the assessment, our
findings and conclusions are summarized as follows:
Environmental
Conditions Acceptable Further Research
Subject Property
Regulatory Status Yes No
Off-Site Listed Facilities
No, regarding identified
contamination on adjacent site
upgradient of subject property
Yes
Subject Property Use
History
No, regarding potential
contamination from previous
operations
Yes
Present Subject Property
Use
No, regarding potential
contamination from metal
recycling operation
Yes
Surrounding Land Use
No, regarding identified
contamination on adjacent site
upgradient of subject property
Yes
MACTEC conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I) of the 2.98-acre parcel
that is a portion of the Former Asheville Tannery property located at 339 Old Lyman Street in
Asheville, North Carolina. The subject property (Buncombe County tax parcel 9638-93-676)
currently contains a metal recycling business. The property reconnaissance was performed on
March 29, 2010.
The information reviewed for this project indicates the Hans Rees’ Sons Tannery began operations
at the subject property in 1898. The tanning operation at this facility utilized extracts from the bark
of trees to chemically treat, or tan, the leather hides. The hide house and tanning building were
located on the subject property; the tanning building reported contained 30 vats for soaking hides in
tannin. According to the deed records obtained in the environmental lien search report, the subject
property was sold to C.T. Day and A.S. Dixon in December 1955 and the main building was used
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina Revised May 18, 2010
MACTEC Project 6685-10-1870
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for tobacco storage and auctions for several years. Charles D. Owen Manufacturing reportedly
began leasing the building for storage of raw fiber and blankets manufactured in Owen’s
Swannanoa plant. The property was purchased by Charles D. Owen Manufacturing Company in
January 1989, and then sold to Dape Properties, LLC in April 2005. The current owner, BD90,
LLC, purchased the property in April 2008. According to the information reviewed for this
assessment, the main building was demolished in approximately 2004 and the hide house was
demolished between 1954 and 1957.
A metal recycling business (Asheville Metal Recycling) has operated at the subject property since
2005. Scrap metal goods are received, sorted, and loaded for transport. The property has an office
trailer, truck scale, and cargo containers for storage. The majority of the ground surface is covered
with concrete from the former building at the property. Numerous piles of scrap metal were
observed at the subject property. Several areas of stressed vegetation were observed along the
perimeter of the concrete ground cover. Areas of standing water with a sheen (likely petroleum)
were observed on the concrete pad.
The surrounding properties contain commercial and industrial businesses. A review of regulatory
environmental lists revealed 14 listed sites within the search distances recommended in ASTM E
1527-05. The subject property was not identified on regulatory databases reviewed for our
assessment. Soil and groundwater contamination have been identified at the “Day Warehouse”
site, which is located adjacent to the subject property in an upgradient direction.
Based on the information obtained for this project, we offer the following conclusions and
recommendations:
• The operation of a metal recycling business at the subject property, as well as the
identified stressed vegetation and petroleum spillage, are considered recognized
environmental conditions.
• The reported presence of black sludge in subsurface vats is a potential recognized
environmental condition. The tannery process utilized bark tannin in the tanning process;
however, the black sludge could be classified as hazardous based on characteristic
properties (i.e., ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity).
• Soil and groundwater contamination have been identified at the Day Warehouse site,
which is located adjacent to the subject property in the upgradient direction, and
constitutes a recognized environmental condition with respect to the subject property.
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina Revised May 18, 2010
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We recommend that environmental sampling of soil and groundwater be conducted at the subject
property after the metal recycling business has vacated the property (reportedly to be within the
next several months). We also recommend that the black sludge reportedly located in the
subsurface vats be located and sampled for the purposes of determining potential hazardous
classification based on characteristic properties. The results of the characterization analyses should
be taken into consideration when selecting the appropriate disposal method for the sludge.
MACTEC conducted this Phase I in accordance with the scope and limitations of ASTM
International Standard Practice E 1527-05, "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments:
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process” (E 1527-05), which is intended to constitute “All
Appropriate Inquiry” into the previous ownership and uses of the subject property consistent with
good commercial or customary practice. The EPA promulgated the All Appropriate Inquiry rule by
publishing the rule in 40 CFR 312 Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries. EPA
considers E1527-05 as being consistent with 40 CFR 312. Any exceptions to, or deletions from,
this practice are described in Section 1.4 of this report.
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina Revised May 18, 2010
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose
The purpose of this Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was to identify recognized
environmental conditions associated with the subject property (Figure 1 in Appendix A). ASTM
Standard Practice E 1527-05, "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment Process” (E 1527-05), defines recognized environmental conditions
as “the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a
property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a
release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property or into
the ground, groundwater, or surface water of the property. The term includes hazardous substances
or petroleum products even under conditions in compliance with laws. The term is not intended to
include de minimis conditions that generally do not present a material risk or harm to public health
or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought
to the attention of appropriate governmental agencies. Conditions determined to be de minimis are
not recognized environmental conditions.”
MACTEC conducted this Phase I in accordance with the scope and limitations of ASTM
International Standard Practice E 1527-05, "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments:
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process” (E 1527-05), which is intended to constitute “All
Appropriate Inquiry” into the previous ownership and uses of the subject property consistent with
good commercial or customary practice. The EPA promulgated the All Appropriate Inquiry rule by
publishing the rule in 40 CFR 312 Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries.
1.2. Detailed Scope of Services
MACTEC prepared this Phase I based on readily-available information and site observations. We
conducted the following tasks at the subject property, which are in general accordance with those
tasks established in E 1527-05:
• Reviewed the history of the subject property using readily-available standard historical
sources and interviewed the owner of the subject property.
• Reviewed lists published by selected state and federal environmental regulatory agencies
for records or comments pertaining to past or present environmental concerns at the subject
property and/or within specified search distances from the subject property. These
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
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distances adhere to the standard search distances recommended in ASTM Standard
Practice E 1527-05. Some of the lists reviewed include:
• The lists of the Inactive Hazardous Sites Inventory, which includes the National
Priorities List (NPL; one-mile distance);
• Delisted NPL sites (one-mile);
• The list of hazardous-waste facilities (generators and transporters, subject property and
adjacent properties; treaters/storers/disposers [TSDs], one-half mile) compiled by the
NCDENR Division of Waste Management (DWM) and permitted under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA);
• The list of TSDs of hazardous waste subject to corrective action under RCRA
(CORRACTS list; one-mile);
• The list of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Information System (CERCLIS, one-half mile), which contains sites which are
proposed to be placed on the NPL, and sites that are in the screening and assessment
phase for possible inclusion on the NPL;
• The list of CERCLIS sites which have been assessed and at which EPA determined
that No Further Remedial Action is Planned (NFRAP) to place the sites on the NPL
(one-half mile);
• The list of the Emergency Response Notification System (ERNS) compiled by the U.S.
Coast Guard’s National Response Center (subject property);
• The list of registered USTs compiled by the DWM (subject property and adjacent
properties);
• The incident list, which includes LUST systems, compiled by the DWM (one-half
mile);
• The Incident Management Database (IMD), which is maintained by NCDENR and
lists releases of oil or hazardous materials in the state of North Carolina. The site
includes LUST sites.
• The list of solid-waste facilities permitted by the DWM (one-half mile);
• The old landfill inventory compiled by the DWM (one-half mile);
• The list of Responsible Party Voluntary Action Sites (VCP; one-half mile); and
• The Brownfields Inventories maintained by the EPA and the DWM (one-half mile).
MACTEC personnel also:
• Conducted a "walk-over" site reconnaissance to look for surficial indications of activities
involving hazardous substances and/or petroleum products.
• Conducted a vehicular reconnaissance in the vicinity of the subject property to verify the
location of the facilities identified during the list review, and to visibly determine if land
use on adjacent properties creates the potential for an adverse environmental impact on the
subject property.
• Prepared this written report that summarizes our observations, findings, and conclusions.
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
339 Old Lyman Street, Asheville, North Carolina Revised May 18, 2010
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Our proposed scope of services did not include sampling or evaluating buildings for radon or
asbestos-containing materials, evaluating ambient air quality, identifying wetlands, or testing of the
soil, air, surface water, drinking water, or groundwater for chemical contaminants.
1.3. Significant Assumptions
The property boundary was obtained from the Buncombe County Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) website and assumed to approximate the property boundary.
1.4. Limitations and Exceptions
Our findings and opinions are relative to the date of our site “walk-over” and should not be relied
on to represent conditions on other dates. These opinions are based on information obtained during
the study and our experience. If additional information becomes available which might change our
conclusions, we request the opportunity to review the information, reassess the potential concerns,
and modify our opinions, if warranted.
Although this assessment has attempted to identify the potential for environmental impacts to the
subject site, potential sources of contamination may have escaped detection due to (1) the limited
scope of this assessment, (2) the inaccuracy of public records, (3) the presence of undetected or
unreported environmental incidents, (4) inaccessible areas, and/or (5) deliberate concealment of
detrimental information.
1.5. Special Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions of our work are those agreed to between Land-of-Sky Regional Council
and MACTEC in the contract dated February 22, 2010.
1.6. User Reliance
This report is intended for the use of Land-of-Sky Regional Council. The contents should not be
relied upon by other parties without the expressed, written consent of MACTEC.
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
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2. SITE DESCRIPTION
2.1 Location and Legal Description
The subject property is located at 339 Old Lyman Street in Asheville, North Carolina, as shown on
Figure 1 in Appendix A. According to the Buncombe County GIS website, the subject property
consists of 2.98 acres (Buncombe County tax parcel 9638-93-6763). Environmental Data
Resources, Inc. (EDR) was contracted on behalf of MACTEC to conduct a search for
environmental liens on the subject property. The environmental lien search report, included as
Appendix B, contains a legal description of the subject property which refers to the legal
description in a previous deed. MACTEC also obtained a copy of the previous deed with a legal
description from the Buncombe County on-line database (Appendix C).
2.2 Site and Vicinity General Characteristics
The subject property is located in Asheville’s historic “River District”, which became industrially
developed in the early 1900s due to its close proximity to the French Broad River. A metal
recycling business operates at the subject property. Properties in the vicinity of the subject
property are commercially or industrially developed.
2.3 Current Use of the Property
A metal recycling business (Asheville Metal Recycling) currently operates at the subject property.
Scrap metal goods are received, sorted, and loaded for transport.
2.4 Description of Structures, Roads and Other Improvements
The majority of the subject property is covered with concrete (partially a former building pad) and
surrounded by a wooden fence. A gravel driveway provides access to the property from Riverside
Drive. An office trailer, truck scale, metal canopy, and two cargo trailers are located in the southern
portion of the property.
2.5 Current Uses of Adjoining Properties
Properties in the vicinity of the subject property are generally commercially or industrially
developed. The properties directly north and west of the subject property contains buildings
associated with the former Asheville Tannery that are currently occupied by commercial/retail
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
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businesses and artist studios. The property east of the subject property also contains buildings
associated with the former Asheville Tannery, as well as warehouses formerly used for tobacco and
cattle auctions. The building directly east of the subject property currently contains an automobile
crushing/recycling business (EDACO). An insulation company (Allied) is located in another
warehouse building on the property to the east and artist studios occupy several of the other
buildings on the property. An automotive repair business (VJ’s) and a residential cabinetry and
equipment design and supply store (Paneling World) are located southwest of the subject property
(the gravel driveway to the subject property is located between VJ’s and Paneling World).
3. USER/OWNER-PROVIDED INFORMATION
3.1 Title Records
Title records were not provided to MACTEC; however, the property record card was obtained from
the Buncombe County tax website and is included in Appendix C. Deed records were also obtained
from the Buncombe County on-line land records database, and are included in Appendix C.
3.2 Environmental Liens
MACTEC contacted the current owner of the subject property, Mr. Robert Camille of BD90, LLC,
concerning environmental liens on the property. Mr. Camille did not have knowledge of
environmental liens held against the property. Mr. Camille completed a User Questionnaire, which
is included in Appendix D.
As stated in Section 2.1, EDR was contracted by MACTEC to perform an environmental lien
search for the subject property. The environmental lien search report is included in Appendix B.
The report indicates that no environmental liens or activity use limitations are held on the subject
property.
3.3 Specialized Knowledge
Mr. Camille indicated that he owned the property to the east. Mr. Camille entered the adjacent
property to the east (“Former Day Warehouses”) into the North Carolina Brownfields Program and
received eligibility in March of 2007. In October 2007, Mr. Camille amended the original
application to include the subject property. MACTEC does not have specialized knowledge
concerning environmental issues at the subject property. Mr. Camille and MACTEC are aware of
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
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soil and groundwater contamination associated with the Former Day Warehouses site, which is also
a portion of the former Asheville Tannery).
3.4 Commonly Known Information
Mr. Camille indicated he had no commonly known information regarding adverse environmental
liabilities or situations with regards to the subject property. MACTEC does not have commonly
known information concerning adverse environmental conditions related to the property. The
operation of a metals recycling company on the property is commonly known.
3.5 Valuation Reduction for Environmental Issues
Mr. Camille stated that he did not have knowledge of a reduction in value of the subject property
due to past or present environmental concerns.
3.6 Owner/Property Manager/Occupant Information
The Buncombe County tax website lists BD90, LLC, as the property owner. The subject property
is leased by Asheville Metal Recyclers. Asheville Metal Recyclers is the current occupant of the
property and manages the operations at the property.
3.7 Reason for Performing the Phase I
Land-of-Sky Regional Council requested preparation of this Phase I. The property is the subject of
a potential Brownfields Agreement, and this Phase I is necessary for assessment and environmental
assessment grant funding purposes.
4. RECORDS REVIEW
4.1 Standard Environmental Record Sources
Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR), under subcontract to MACTEC, reviewed the state and
federal regulatory lists referenced in Section 1.2. Please note that these lists are limited and only
include sites known to the regulatory agencies at the time of publication. These lists identify sites
that are contaminated or exhibit potential for contamination due to the generation or handling of
toxic or hazardous materials. The EDR report is included in Appendix E.
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
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EDR’s review of the regulatory listings revealed 14 sites (17 incidents) within the established
search radii from the subject property. The subject property was not listed on the lists reviewed.
According to the EDR report, the Asheville Coal Gas Plant #1 site is listed in the CERCLIS
database and on the Hazardous Substance Disposal Sites list (HSDS). The Asheville Coal Gas
Plant site is located at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Lyman Street, approximately 0.5
miles north of the subject property in a topographically crossgradient to downgradient direction.
The EDR report indicated that a “preliminary assessment” was completed in 1993, and the priority
level is listed as “low.”
Two sites were listed on the SHWS list. Pathologists Medical Lab, located approximately 4,900
feet east of the subject property is listed on the North Carolina Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch
(IHSB) and the facility status is listed as “requiring no further action.” Roberts Street Hatchery,
located approximately 5,100 feet north of the subject property, is also listed on the IHSB;
information regarding the site’s status is not indicated in the EDR report.
According to the EDR report, 11 sites were listed on one or more of the following lists: the Incident
Management Database (IMD), the LUST list, and/or the Brownfields list. Information regarding
these sites is listed in the following table (Note: locations are relative to the approximate center of
the subject property).
Site Status Location
Day Warehouse
339 Old Lyman Street
Brownfields
EDR Map ID: 1
Date Occurred:
Incident Description:
Groundwater Contamination: Yes
Type:
Phase: Brownfields
Adjacent to
subject property
to the east
VJ’s Auto Service Center
500 Lyman Street
IMD/LUST
Incident No. 19862
EDR Map ID: 2
Date Occurred: 1/13/1999
Incident Description: Minor soil contamination
observed during removal of UST
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Gasoline/diesel and metals
Phase: Response (low risk priority designation)
Adjacent to
subject property
to the southwest.
Asheville Fire Station No. 2
315 Livingston Street
IMD/LUST
Incident No. 28124
EDR Map ID: A4
Date Occurred: 7/23/1996
Incident Description: Minor soil contamination
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Gasoline/diesel
Phase: Closed Out (6/6/2003)
Approximately
1,200 feet
northeast of
subject property.
Former Asheville Tannery: 2.98-acre Property – Report of Phase I ESA April 14, 2010
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Site Status Location
Green’s Mini Mart
414 Depot Street
IMD/LUST
Incident No. 23522
EDR Map ID: 5
Date Occurred: 6/08/2001
Incident Description: Soil contamination was
reported during removal of UST
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Gasoline/diesel
Phase: Closed Out (12/11/2002)
Approximately
1,300 feet
northeast of
subject property.
Fmr. D-O-UN Dairies Inc.
403 Depot Street
IMD
Facility ID: 86584
EDR Map ID: A4
Date Occurred: 4/28/2003
Incident Description: Waste oil spilled out of drums
without lids
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Waste Oil
Phase: Assessment
Approximately
1,350 feet
northeast of
subject property.
Asheville Waste Paper
304 Lyman Street
IMD/Brownfields
Facility ID: 87252
EDR Map ID: B7/B8
Date Occurred: 1/28/2005
Incident Description: Fuel Oil was discovered
seeping out bank into French Broad River. Source
is fuel oil spill from a 5,000 gallon aboveground
storage tank (AST) at Asheville Waste Paper
Groundwater Contamination: Yes
Type: Fuel oil
Phase: Response (2/16/2005); Phase I and II
Environmental Site Assessments conducted under
Brownfields
Approximately
1,400 feet
northwest of
subject property
Asheville Waste Paper
304 Lyman Street
IMD/LUST
Facility ID: 9931
EDR Map ID: B10
Date Occurred: 1/12/1993
Incident Description: Release discovered upon
removal of UST
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Diesel
Phase: Closed Out (2/19/1993)
Approximately
1,400 feet
northwest of
subject property
Asheville Waste Paper
304 Lyman Street
IMD/LUST
Facility ID: 18066
EDR Map ID: B11
Date Occurred: 8/26/1997
Incident Description: Elevated benzene and toluene
identified in groundwater sample.
Groundwater Contamination: Yes
Type: Gasoline
Phase: Not reported (low risk classification)
Approximately
1,400 feet
northwest of
subject property
Mary White Residence
26 Beverly Road West
IMD/LUST TRUST
Incident No. 28175
EDR Map ID: 12
Date Occurred: 10/07/2003
Incident Description: Soil contamination from home
heating oil UST
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Heating Oil
Phase: Not reported (low risk priority designation)
Approximately
1,600 feet west
of subject
property.
Glen Rock Apartments
372 Depot Street
LUST
Incident No. 28756
EDR Map ID: C13
Date Occurred: 8/05/2009
Incident Description: Stained soil identified during
construction grading activities
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Gasoline/diesel, metals
Phase: Not reported
Approximately
1,600 feet
northeast of
subject property.
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Site Status Location
Proposed Sprint Expansion
363 Depot Street
IMD/LUST
Incident No. 20873
EDR Map ID: C14
Date Occurred: 10/22/1999
Incident Description: Sprint conducted Phase I and II
and found groundwater and soil contamination
Groundwater Contamination: Yes
Type: Gasoline/diesel
Phase: Response (low risk priority designation)
Approximately
1,700 feet
northeast of
subject property.
Parker Oil Co.
290 Depot Street
IMD/LUST
Incident No. 28319
EDR Map ID: 15
Date Occurred: 6/08/2005
Incident Description: Contaminated soil from
former UST’s discovered during an environmental
site assessment
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Petroleum
Phase: Closed Out (12/28/2005)
Approximately
2,000 feet
northeast of
subject property.
Parker Oil Co.
290 Depot Street
IMD
FacilityID: 86583
EDR Map ID: 15
Date Occurred: 4/01/2003
Incident Description: Heating oil released “inside
dike area”, reported as vandalism
Groundwater Contamination: Unknown
Type: Heating Oil
Phase: Assessment (site priority 50E)
Approximately
2,000 feet
northeast of
subject property.
Pat Bunker Residence
381 S. French Broad Ave.
IMD/LUST
Incident No. 5052
EDR Map ID: 16
Date Occurred: 5/19/1989
Incident Description: Soil contamination from home
heating oil UST
Groundwater Contamination: No
Type: Heating Oil
Phase: Closed Out (12/21/1989)
Approximately
2,400 feet
northeast of
subject property.
4.2 Additional Environmental Record Sources
MACTEC performed a Phase I for the adjacent properties to the north and east of the subject
property in 2007 (“Report of Phase I Environmental Site Assessment,” dated April 4, 2007). Based
on the results of the Phase I, environmental sampling was recommended. The site was also
approved for entry into the North Carolina Brownfields Program. MACTEC collected soil and
groundwater samples at the site in October 2007 to identify the presence and general nature of
potential soil and/or groundwater contamination at the site and to determine the site’s suitability for
its intended reused by the potential developer. The results of the environmental sampling are
described in MACTEC’s “Report of Limited Environmental Site Assessment,” dated March 21,
2008, which contained the following conclusions regarding identified contamination:
• Chlorinated volatile organic compounds were identified in soil and groundwater
samples collected near or below Buildings #1/1B/1C, #4, and #8. The source of these
constituents in soil and groundwater at the site is possibly the result of chemical
spills/releases during transport of chemicals to and storage in the site buildings
during the 1960s and 1970s, when Ticar Chemical reportedly stored chemicals in
these buildings.
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• Petroleum-derived compounds were detected in soil and groundwater samples
collected near or below Building 3.
• Six metals (beryllium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, and silver) were detected
at concentrations that exceed their respective North Carolina Groundwater Standard
and/or EPA Maximum contaminant level. It is unclear whether the source of the
metals detected in the groundwater samples are the result of natural geochemical
processes and/or the historical site activities involving the use of coal and/or coal
combustion products.
4.3 Physical Setting Sources
MACTEC reviewed the following sources to obtain information regarding the physical setting of
the subject property:
• Geologic Map of North Carolina, published in 1985 by the North Carolina Geological
Survey.
• United States Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Map, 7.5-minute series, Asheville,
N.C. Quadrangle, dated 1961, photorevised 1991; published by the USGS (Figure 1).
• Soil Survey of Buncombe County, published by USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service, and obtained from the Buncombe County Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
website.
The subject property is located within the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. Based on a review
of the geologic map, the subject property is underlain by rocks of the Ashe Metamorphic and
Tallulah Falls Formation, which are described as muscovite-biotite gneiss (interlayered and
gradational with mica schist, minor amphibolite and hornblende gneiss). The bedrock in the Blue
Ridge Physiographic Province is a complex crystalline formation that has been faulted and
contorted by past tectonic movements. The rock has weathered to residual soils, which form the
mantle for the hillsides and hilltops. The typical residual soil profile in areas not disturbed by
erosion or human activities consists of silty and/or clayey soils near the surface where weathering
is more advanced, underlain by sandy silt and silty sand. There may be colluvial (old land-slide)
material on the slopes and alluvial sediments in stream valleys and floodplains.
According to the Soil Survey of Buncombe County, soils at the subject property are described as
Udorthents, which include soils in areas where the native soil profile has been disturbed by
earthwork or development. According to the site map provided to MACTEC (prepared by Brooks
& Medlock Engineering, PLLC, dated September 17, 2004), the subject property is located within
the French Broad River 100-year floodplain; therefore, it presumably contains significant alluvial
deposits, which may consist of sands, cobbles, and boulders.
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The 2004 site survey indicates that the elevation of the subject property is approximately 1,980 feet
above mean sea level. Surface drainage at the subject property appears to generally flow to the west
toward the French Broad River. Assuming that the groundwater table generally mirrors the local
topography, groundwater beneath the subject property is expected to generally flow west toward the
French Broad River, which flows to the north.
4.4 Historical Use Information on the Property
MACTEC reviewed readily-available historical information and conducted interviews with persons
knowledgeable of the subject property in order to evaluate the site history. We
reviewed/interviewed the following sources:
• Aerial photographs, dated 1951, 1963, 1975, and 1988, reviewed at the Buncombe County
Natural Resources Conservation Service in Asheville, North Carolina (Appendix F).
• Aerial photographs, dated 1968, 1975, and 1985 (orthophotograph), obtained from the
Buncombe County Planning and Development Department in Asheville, North Carolina
(Appendix F).
• Aerial photograph, dated 1994, obtained from www.terraserver-USA.com (Appendix F)
• Aerial photographs, dated 1998, 2002 and 2006, obtained from the Buncombe County GIS
website (Appendix F).
• City Directories for Asheville, North Carolina dated 1899 – 1908, 1910 – 1917, 1920,
1922, 1923, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1932, 1935, 1938, 1940, 1943, 1947, 1950,
1953, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1961 – 1967 , 1969 – 1990, 1992 – 1997, and 1999 – 2005 were
reviewed at the Asheville Public Library in Asheville, North Carolina (Appendix G).
• Sanborn Fire Insurance historical maps dated 1901, 1907, 1913, 1917, 1925, 1950, 1954,
1957, 1960, 1963, and 1972 obtained from EDR and www.NCLive.org website (Appendix
G).
• A hand-drawn map of the subject property, dated October 1967, obtained from the Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment, prepared by J. Patrick Price and dated October 8, 1999
(Appendix G, referred to herein as the “1967 map”).
• A pamphlet titled, “A Serial Story of Hans Rees Son’s Inc.,” published in 1939, obtained
from the Asheville Public Library in Asheville, North Carolina (Appendix G).
• Interview with Mr. Alton Day, son of former subject property owner, on April 7, 2010
(Appendix D).
• Interview with Mr. Wayne Hamilton, City of Asheville Fire Marshal, on April 7, 2010
(Appendix D).
• Interview with Mr. Jerry Mathews, owner of Asheville Metal Recycling, on April 12, 2010
(Appendix D).
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Based on our assessment, we have compiled the following historical chronology of the subject
property:
According to the pamphlet reviewed, the Hans Rees’ Sons Tannery (also called Asheville Tannery)
began operations at the subject property in 1898. The tanning operation at this facility utilized
extracts from the bark of trees to chemically treat, or tan, the leather hides. Upon arrival at the
tannery, raw hides were soaked in water and then in vats of lime water to facilitate manually
dehairing of the hides. The hides were then bleached in tanning liquor, which generally consisted
of tannin from the wood, bark, and seeds/nuts of specific trees. After bleaching, the hides were
“finished” by “stuffing”, or “greasing”, the leather, and then they were stretched and weighed for
resale. Tanning operations that took place in the building formerly located on the subject property
(called “Tan Yard and Beam House”) primarily involved soaking the hides in tannin. According to
Mr. Day, numerous below-grade vats were used to soak the hides. Deed records indicate the
presence of 30 vats in the building. The “hide house” was also located on the subject property,
north of the tanning building. The water suction line from the French Broad River to the tannery
was located on the subject property (along the existing gravel driveway in the southwestern portion
of the subject property) during the tannery’s operations at the property.
According to the deed records obtained in the environmental lien search report, the subject property
was sold to C.T. Day and A.S. Dixon in December 1955. The western portion of the tannery was
sold to Ness Brothers, Inc. in September 1955, and according to a “Supplemental Agreement”,
Ness Brothers was given the right to use the vats located in the building at the subject property.
According to Mr. Day, the vats were backfilled in approximately 1959. The building was used for
tobacco storage and auctions for several years, and then Charles D. Owen Manufacturing (also
known as Burlington Industries) reportedly began leasing the building for storage of raw fiber and
blankets manufactured in Owen’s Swannanoa plant. Day/Dixon conveyed the property to Day’s
Storage Warehouses, Inc. in June 1964. The property was purchased by Charles D. Owen
Manufacturing Company in January 1989, and then sold to Dape Properties, LLC in April 2005.
The current owner, BD90, LLC, purchased the property in April 2008. According to the
information reviewed for this assessment, the main building was demolished in approximately
2004 and the hide house was demolished between 1954 and 1957.
The current lessee (Asheville Metal Recycling) began operation at the subject property in 2005.
According to Mr. Mathews, owner of Asheville Metal Recycling, the main building was
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demolished due to storm damage. During demolition, the tanning vats were identified and
reportedly covered with an eight to twelve-inch layer of concrete. Mr. Mathews indicated that
black sludge was observed in the vats. The vats were backfilled with gravel (the black sludge was
not removed), and a layer of concrete was poured over the area of the former building.
4.5 Historical Use Information on the Adjoining Properties
Nearby property usage could potentially impact the surface and subsurface conditions of a
property. Developing a history of past to present uses or occupancies can provide an indication of
the likelihood of recognized environmental conditions. The following sections summarize our
findings as to the past surrounding land use.
North
Properties north of the subject property are generally considered to be topographically
crossgradient in relation to the subject property. The adjacent property to the north was part of the
Hans Rees’ Sons Tannery (which also includes the subject property) and contained a wash house
building (Building #1C on Figure 2) and a “hair house”, which has been removed. Gasoline tanks
and an ‘oil house’ were noted northeast of Building #1C on the 1950 and 1954 Sanborn maps.
According to the city directories, Sanborn maps, and the 1967 map, Ticar Chemical occupied
Building #1C, as well as Building #8 (east of subject property) and a portion of Building
#1(northeast of subject property), from approximately 1963 to 1977. Building #1C is currently used
as storage for maintenance supplies.
East
Properties east of the subject property are considered to be topographically upgradient in relation to
the subject property. The building numbers referenced in the following description correspond to
the building numbers indicated on Figure 2 in Appendix A, and the property is referred to herein as
the East Tannery property (the tannery was also operated on the subject property).
The tannery operated on the property east and northeast of the subject property from 1898 until
approximately 1955. The tannery utilized the following equipment or ancillary processes/
equipment at the East Tannery property: an office (Building #1), scales for weighing hides
(adjacent to Building #1); a laboratory and experimental tan yard (in the area of existing Building
#1A/1B); a blacksmiths shop, referred to as “wood shed” on Figure 2; a coal-fired boiler, which
has been removed; a machine shop for servicing the boiler (Building #8); bark sheds, which were
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located in the area of existing Buildings #4, #5, #6, and #7; and several elevated water storage
tanks, which have been removed. The leach, or “bleach”, house and “bark mill” were located in the
area of existing Building #3, as indicated on the Sanborn maps.
Big Burley Tobacco and/or Day’s Tobacco occupied warehouse space at the East Tannery property
from 1955 to 1967. According to the Sanborn maps, Buildings #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #7B were
constructed between 1957 and 1967. The buildings at the East Tannery property were used for
tobacco warehouses and auctions until the late 1960s, when numerous other businesses leased one
or more of the buildings. Businesses that have occupied buildings at the East Tannery property
include: a seasonal cafe (Building #1); a charcoal briquette manufacturing company (Buildings #6,
#7, #7B, and #7D); a paper warehouse (Building #3); a beer distributing company (Building #7D);
textile warehouse (Building #1A); chemical storage (Buildings #1B, #4, and #8); a fitness
equipment manufacturer, (Buildings #1A, #1B, and #3); agricultural products supplier (Building
#4); a janitorial company (Building #5), an insulation company (Building #6); antique warehouse
(Building #4), and a car crushing business (Building #3). The Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks
(approximately 400 feet in width) are located east of the East Tannery property.
South
Properties south of the subject property are generally considered to be topographically
crossgradient in relation to the subject property. A gravel driveway is located south of the subject
property across which is a drainage ditch and a wooded parcel. The parcel is owned by Norfolk
Southern and has been vacant since at least 1951.
Paneling World, a residential cabinetry and equipment design and supply store, is located south-
southwest of the subject property. The building was constructed in 1967 and contained Railway
Express Depot (also called REA Express) until the mid-1970s. Paneling World has operated in the
building since the late-1970s/early-1980s.
West
Properties west of the subject property are generally considered to be topographically
downgradient in relation to the subject property. An automotive repair business (VJ’s) is located
southwest of the subject property and buildings associated with the former tannery are located west
of the subject property (called Riverview Station). Farther west is Lyman Street, beyond which is
the French Broad River.
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The building southeast of the subject property was constructed in 1958 and operated as a truck
rental and repair business until the mid-1970s and Slosman/Sysco maintenance department from
approximately 1980 until 1993. The building has contained an automotive repair business from
1994.
The Riverview Station Buildings were also used by the Asheville Tannery (Dry House and
Currying Shop). The buildings were used by the Manco Corporation (textile waste processing)
and/or Ness Brothers Inc. (cotton waste processing), from 1956 until the 1970s. The Riverview
Station Building has been occupied by numerous retail businesses since the 1970s including:
American Threshold Industries (manufacturer of disposable, non-woven protection products for the
healthcare industry), Biltmore Village Carpet, Candle Station (candle manufacturer), ST Graphics
(screen printing), a pet boarding company, PowderTeK (powder-coating company), French Broad
School for Boys, and several artist studios. The building located directly west of Building #1C was
constructed between 1968 and 1972 and is currently occupied by the Loren Cook Company (air
moving equipment).
5. SITE RECONNAISSANCE
5.1 Methodology and Limiting Conditions
Mr. Matthew Wallace, P.E. and Mr. W. Kirk Weir, environmental professionals with MACTEC
experienced in environmental site assessments, conducted a site and area visit on March 29, 2010.
The site reconnaissance was performed on foot, and the area reconnaissance was a driving tour on
public roads.
5.2 General Site Setting
The subject property is located at 339 Old Lyman Street and currently contains a metal recycling
business. The surrounding properties contain commercial and industrial businesses. The area is
collectively known as the “River Arts District” because of the current occupancy of former
industrial buildings by artists.
5.3 Exterior Observations
The property has an office trailer, truck scale, and cargo containers for storage. The majority of the
ground surface is covered with concrete from the former building at the property. Numerous piles
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of scrap metal were observed at the subject property. Some of the scrap items observed included:
automobile fuel tanks, compressed gas cylinders, drums, tires, appliances, and building supplies.
Several areas of stressed vegetation were observed along the perimeter of the concrete ground
cover. Areas of standing water with an oily sheen were observed on the concrete pad.
5.4 Interior Observations
MACTEC observed an approximate 400-gallon metal tank containing diesel fuel in one of the
cargo storage containers. The diesel fuel is used to fuel equipment used at the property. The
interior of the office trailer was typical of a ‘construction/jobsite’ type trailer with desks and office
equipment.
6. INTERVIEWS
6.1 Interview with Owner/Occupant
MACTEC interviewed the owner of the property, Mr. Robert Camille of BD90, LLC, on several
occasions. Mr. Camille was not aware of major spills or incidents on the property, and referred us
to Mr. Jerry Mathews for information on the activities being conducted at the property. Mr.
Camille was aware that the subject property is a portion of the former tannery property, and is
aware that soil and groundwater contamination is present on the property also owned by BD90,
LLC to the east. Mr. Camille completed a User Questionnaire which is included in Appendix D.
MACTEC interviewed Mr. Jerry Mathews, owner of Asheville Metal Recycling, the property’s
occupant, on April 12, 2010. Mr. Mathews indicated that he was not aware of any major
spills/releases of hazardous chemicals or petroleum products (i.e., greater than one gallon) at the
subject property (correspondence record included in Appendix D).
6.2 Interview with Local Government Officials
On April 7, 2010, MACTEC interviewed Mr. Wayne Hamilton, the City of Asheville Fire Marshal,
regarding environmental incidents requiring a response at the subject property. Mr. Hamilton
indicated a response was required on May 8, 2008, when a drum of isocyanate foam reacted and
caught fire; the Fire Department was called to the property to extinguish the fire. Mr. Hamilton
indicated that there were no other responses to the property (correspondence record included in
Appendix D).
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7. FINDINGS AND OPINION
Based on the findings of our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment at the subject property, we
offer the following comments relative to recognized environmental conditions (RECs).
The information reviewed indicates the Hans Rees’ Sons Tannery began operations at the subject
property in 1898. The tanning operation at this facility utilized extracts from the bark of trees to
chemically treat, or tan, the leather hides. The hide house and tanning building were located on the
subject property. The tanning building reportedly contained 30 vats for soaking hides in tannin.
According to the deed records, the subject property was sold to C.T. Day and A.S. Dixon in
December 1955, and the main building was then used for tobacco storage and auctions for several
years. Charles D. Owen Manufacturing reportedly began leasing the building for storage of raw
fiber and blankets manufactured in Owen’s Swannanoa plant. The property was purchased by
Charles D. Owen Manufacturing Company in January 1989, and then sold to Dape Properties, LLC
in April 2005. The current owner, BD90, LLC, purchased the property in April 2008. According to
the information reviewed for this assessment, the main building was demolished in approximately
2004 and the hide house was demolished between 1954 and 1957.
A metal recycling business has operated at the subject property since 2005. Scrap metal goods are
received, sorted, and loaded for transport. The property has an office trailer, truck scale, and cargo
containers for storage. The majority of the ground surface is covered with concrete. Numerous
piles of scrap metal were observed at the subject property. Several areas of stressed vegetation
were observed along the perimeter of the concrete ground cover. Areas of standing water with a
sheen (likely petroleum) were observed on the concrete pad. The operation of a metal recycling
business at the subject property, as well as the identified stressed vegetation and indications of
petroleum spillage, are considered RECs with respect to the subject property.
The surrounding properties contain commercial and industrial businesses. EDR’s review of
regulatory environmental lists revealed 14 listed sites within the search distances recommended in
ASTM E 1527-05. The subject property was not identified on regulatory databases reviewed for
our assessment. Soil and groundwater contamination have been identified at the “Day Warehouse”
brownfields site, which is located adjacent to the east of the subject property in an upgradient
direction, and constitutes a REC with respect to the subject property.
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8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
We have performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in general accordance with the scope
and limitations of ASTM E 1527-05, for the 2.98-acre property located at 339 Old Lyman Street in
Asheville, North Carolina. Any exceptions to or deletions from this practice are described in the
appropriate sections of this report. The property reconnaissance was performed on March 29,
2010. Based on the information obtained for this project, we offer the following conclusions and
recommendations:
• The operation of a metal recycling business at the subject property, as well as the
identified stressed vegetation and indications of petroleum spillage, are considered
recognized environmental conditions.
• The reported presence of black sludge in subsurface vats is a potential recognized
environmental condition. The tannery process utilized bark tannin in the tanning process;
however, the black sludge could be classified as hazardous based on characteristic
properties (i.e., ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity).
• Soil and groundwater contamination has been identified at the Day Warehouse site, which
is located adjacent to the subject property in the easterly upgradient direction, and
constitutes a recognized environmental condition with respect to the subject property.
We recommend that environmental sampling of soil and groundwater be conducted at the subject
property after the metal recycling business has vacated the property (reportedly to be within the
next several months). We also recommend that the black sludge reportedly located in the
subsurface vats be located and sampled for the purposes of determining potential hazardous
classification based on characteristic properties. The results of the characterization analyses should
be taken into consideration when selecting the appropriate disposal method for the sludge.
9. DEVIATIONS
A chain-of-title for the property was not provided for this project therefore, MACTEC could not
review written ownership records of the property prior to the deed dated 1955; however, the 1955
deed transferred ownership of the property from Hans Rees Sons, Inc. who developed the property
in 1898.
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APPENDIX A
FIGURES