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Flat Rock Creek Drums

 
Site Contact:
Jennifer Polk
On Scene Coordinator

(polk.jennifer@epa.gov)

Site Location:
4223 N MLK Jr Blvd
Tulsa, OK 74106
 scribenet.response.epa.gov/flatrockcreekdrums
NRC#: 1411880

On September 25, 2024, the EPA received a National Response Center report from the National Response Center regarding abandoned 55-gallon steel drums near Flat Rock Creek in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On September 28, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., an EPA On-Scene Coordinator and EPA contractors arrived at the Flat Rock Creek (Site) to conduct a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE) and an inventory of approximately 109 abandoned 55-gallon steel drums, which were in various damaged and leaking conditions. The drums were found across three dumping sites on private property.

From October 21 to October 25, 2024, EPA and EPA contractors mobilized to the Site and conducted an additional RSE. The team relocated 109 drums into the containment areas and placed a covering over the drums.

EPA is conducting an additional review of the data to assess findings and inform next steps. EPA will continue to coordinate with State, Tribal, and local officials on future cleanup efforts at the Site.

 

Click here to view the StoryMap.


Caution tape, sorbent boom, and a tarp being used for containment at Site 2. Caution tape, sorbent boom, and a tarp being used for containment at Site 3. Caution tape, sorbent boom, and a tarp being used for containment at Site 1. The EPA team applying sorbent powder in areas where liquid waste was found on the ground. The EPA team used a Thermo Scientific Gemini handheld chemical analyzer to help identify solid waste from the site. The EPA team assessing and taking an inventory of the drums at Site 3 in Level C personal protective equipment (PPE). The EPA team also applied sorbent powder in areas where liquid waste was found on the ground. The EPA team assessing and taking an inventory of the drums at Site 3 in Level C personal protective equipment (PPE). Before the site assessment, the EPA team conducted a walk-through of Sites 1, 2, and 3 to observe the conditions. Prior to the EPA team entering the drum assessment exclusion zone, the EPA team performed medical monitoring before and after entry. The EPA team setting up a staging area and calibrating equipment prior to the site assessment. A view of Site 2 and Site 3 following EPA's assessment and containment of the drum sites. A view of the abandoned drums from the southern side of Site 1. A view of the abandoned drums from the southern side of Site 3. A view of the abandoned drums from the northeastern side of Site 2. Flat Rock Creek can be observed in the background of the photo. A view of the abandoned drums from the southwestern side of Site 2. In the background, Site 3 can also be observed. A view of the abandoned drums from the eastern side of Site 1.