Document 15xmLyjebvmZgzXvyjRpzOJoq

UNITED STATES H ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY no SOUTH OEAROORN ST. CHICAGO. ILLINOIS *0604 t riOH/y Nr. Hugh B. Thomas Senior Counsel Outboard Marine Corporation 100 Sea-Horse Drive Waukegan, Illinois 60085 WJG 1 6 1.976 Dear Mr. Thomas: You will recall that our letter of April 7, 1976, in Item 7 indicated our, concern regarding possible PCB contamination of sediments in the vicinity of the Outboard Marine Corporation Plant in Waukegan, Illinois (OMC). Your letter of April 15, 1976, indicated that you would respond in regard to the sediment issue by May 31, 1976, although to our know ledge you have not yet done so. On June 9, 1976, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff ob tained sediments from these areas for PCB analysis. EPA was accompanied by OMC staff who also took samples. Attached find a summary of prelimi nary results concerning concentrations of PCB's in the sediments of the North Ditch and in Waukegan Harbor. These results indicate the presence of PCB's in both areas and extremely high levels in locations adjacent to OMC outfalls previously established as large sources of PCB's. PCB's are also present in the area normally dredged by the Corps of Engineers. The Corps and EPA have agreed that no dredging will be. done until an environmentally satisfactory approach can be developed. We are gravely concerned that these sediments are and have been a Significant source of PCB's to Lake Michigan. The Lake as you know has a serious PCB contamination problem; fish in Illinois waters and elsewhere having exhibited concentrations of PCB's several times the Food and Drug Administration limit. OMC should take immediate steps to remove sediments in those portions of the North Ditch adjacent to outfalls 13 and 14 and to place them in a suitable location. OMC should also take steps to determine suitable means for dealing with the remaining contaminated ditch and harbor areas MONS 094803 r" * . **'*. ' AUG 161976 -2- PI esse submit a response as to the Company's plans for dealing with this problan within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of this letter. The response should include any information the Company has regarding the concentration of PCB's in sediments in this area. Questions may be referred to Hr. Zar or Mr. Thiel of my staff at 353-2110. Very truly yours. M James 0. McDonald, Director Enforcenent Division Attachment cc: Mr. John T. Bernbom, Attorney Illinois Environmental Protection Agency m S $ 4 HONS 094804