DSHW-2009-011303 - 0901a0688013dfe1

MEMORANDUM
TO:
THROUGH:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
DSHW TN
1995.20846
Thiokol File
Brad Maulding "^ Q i^A
Section Manager
Hazardous Waste Facilities Section
Division ofSolid and Hazardous Waste
JeffVandel CfCl/^
Hazardous Waste Facilities Section
Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Thiokol Waste Water Release, Incident Notification #97012
January 17, 1997
A release ofwaste water was discovered by Thiokol personnel on January 13, 1997 near the
waste water treatment facility E-541 in the Defense and Launch Vehicle area of the plant. The
release occurred as a result ofa failed lift station pump along an underground line leading to the
treatment facility. The pump failure occurred sometime over the weekend prior to its discovery
last Monday morning. At the time of its discovery, the waste water was estimated to be flowing
at approximately 10 gallons per ininute. The E-541 facility is a biological waste water treatment
plant. Waste waters contaminated with ammonium perchlorate and other reactive compounds
(propeUant materials) are treated at the M-705 waste water treatment facility. The back-up pump
did not energize after the primary lift station pump failed, and the waste water backed up, flowed
out a manhole, along a culvert, and into Blue Creek. It was reported by Thiokol personnel that
the waste water appeared clear, and no visible waste, foaming, or oily sheen was observed at the
time of the discovery. It is thought that the majority of the waste water was boiler blow-down
and non-contact cooUng water. Thiokol notified the Department of Environmental Response and
Remediation and the Department of Water Quality ofthe incident on January 13, 1997.
On January 16, 1997 I visited the site ofthe release accompanied with Thiokol employees Frank
Walker and Kevin Thackery. No discoloration or residue of any kind was observed around the
manhole or along the culvert where the waste water had flowed. Currently, the back-up pump is
operative and the waste water is contained. Based on the information Thiokol provided and the
site inspection, it appears that no hazardous waste was released as a result ofthis incident.