Remediation of Historical Livestock Dip Facility
The Flying M Ranch is located in Mineral County, Nevada and was owned by the Hilton & Ryland Realty Estate. The owner and buyer had executed a sales agreement that required the remediation of a historical livestock dip facility. The facility used toxaphene, a pesticide to treat animals for the infestation of ectoparasites, such as ticks, fleas and mites. The facility was comprised of corrals and a dip trough filled with a toxaphene solution to immerse the animals. The soils in the facilities immediate area were contaminated with toxaphene, a recognized hazardous substance and potential hazardous waste.
Characterize the Vertical – Horizontal Contamination
RCI was asked to characterize the vertical-horizontal contamination of the toxaphene, recommend a risk-based Preliminary Remediation Limit and remediate the contamination as required by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
Sample and Analysis Plan (SAP)
A Sample and Analysis Plan (SAP) was prepared and implemented to characterize the toxaphene soil concentrations. A total of 65 discrete samples were collected and 9 samples exceeded the PRL. These sample locations were located within 20 feet of the dip trough. Approximately 900 cu yds were excavated and disposed of at the Lockwood Regional Landfill.
Determined Not a Threat
Based on the future use of the ranch for conservation and public recreation purposes and the toxaphene physical and chemical characteristic, the Division of Environmental Protection agreed the residual Toxaphene contamination was not a threat to the environment or public. A No Further Action Letter was issued closing the investigation.