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Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Virginia Commonwealth University - Oliver Hall in Richmond, Virginia

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Oliver Hall became subject to regulations promulgated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act on November 19, 1980.

Cleanup Status

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) operates a storeroom on the first floor of Oliver Hall, where the hazardous waste storage unit is located. The storeroom is also used to store clean chemical reagents. Oliver Hall became subject to regulations promulgated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act on November 19, 1980. This facility qualified for interim status as a hazardous waste management facility on August 21, 1981. On September 2, 1983, the Virginia Department of Waste Management (VDWM) requested that VCU submit a Part B application for Oliver Hall. On April 20, 1984 VCU notified VDWM that they would not be seeking a Part B permit. Oliver Hall's interim status was terminated on November 20, 1984. On February 15, 1985, VDWM approved the closure plan for the hazardous waste storage area, and on October 22, 1985, VDWM approved the final closure of Oliver Hall as a treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facility. While Oliver Hall has been closed as a TSD facility, it still maintains its status as a small-quantity generator of hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes are presently stored at the facility but are removed within the required 90-day period.

On September 1, 2005 an onsite meeting was held to discuss the facility history, locate previously identified solid waste management units (SWMUs), verify the results of a file review and gather information concerning the facility’s current conditions. Attendees at the meeting included the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, VCU, USEPA, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Other than one hazardous waste storage area which has been clean-closed, no additional SWMUs or Areas of Concern were identified during the site visit.

EPA published a notice in a local newspaper detailing the proposed Agency decision of no further corrective action. The thirty (30) day public comment period ended on February 20, 2007 and no comments were received during that time.

On November 4, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Final Determination of Corrective Action Complete without controls, no further corrective action is required at this time at the Virginia Commonwealth University Oliver Hall.

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Site Description

VCU is a teaching and research institution with two campuses located in Richmond, Virginia. Oliver Hall is a large multi-story building within VCU's West Campus. The building is situated near other university buildings and on the corner of Main Street and Beech Street, approximately 2 miles west of Interstate 95. Oliver Hall has operated as a hazardous waste storage facility since January 15, 1976. VCU operates a storeroom on the first floor of Oliver Hall, where the hazardous waste storage unit is located. The storeroom is also used to store clean chemical reagents.

Interactive Map of the Virginia Commonwealth University - Oliver Hall, 1015 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284

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Contaminants at this Facility

 The hazardous waste storage area does not pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment and there were no know hazardous waste releases into the environment.

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Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility

Institutional Controls were not required.

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Land Reuse Information at this Facility

The facility is under continued use.

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Site Responsibility at this Facility

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action activities at this facility are being conducted under the direction of the EPA Region 3 with assistance from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ).

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