The Powerhouse Building was owned and operated by the Michelin Tire Company from 1907 until the property was sold to the Respondent in the mid 1940s. The Respondent is the current owner of Block 58, Lot 1.01 and the Powerhouse Building.
In April 2004, EPA collected a total of nine bulk samples from pipe wrap insulation in building 10, the floor of building 10 and the soil outside of building 10. The analytical results of the bulk samples indicated chrysotile and amosite. In March and April 2004, EPA collected six soil samples from the Site. The analytical results indicated the presence of arsenic and lead, as well as, other inorganic contaminants. The hazardous substances released at the Site included friable asbestos, arsenic, lead and mercury. These findings are documented in a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE), dated May 12, 2004, prepared in accordance with the NCP 40 C.F.R. 300.410.
On November 5, 2004, EPA notified the Respondent that it was a potentially responsible party for the removal action at the Site. EPA made numerous attempts to have the Respondent undertake a removal action at the Site on a voluntary basis through an Administrative Order on Consent. Those attempts, however, failed. Therefore, EPA issuing a UAO to the Respondent for a removal action at the Michelin Powerhouse Site, is warranted.