DSHW-2014-010212 - 0901a06880474c55

Division of
Solid and Hazardous Waste
JUL 2 9 21M
ATK Launch Systems
PO Box 707
Brigham City, UT 84302
www.atk.com
July 28, 2014
8200-FY15-019
Scott T. Anderson
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste
PO Box 144880
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4880
Subject: ATK Launch Systems- Promontory Facility; EPA ID Number UTD009081357; Spill
Report
Dear Mr. Anderson:
To comply with permit module I.T.5 ATK Launch Systems is submitting a written report for the
spill of perchlorate containing wastewater that occurred on 14 July 2014 at building M-l 15.
Questions concerning this event can be referred to Jason Wells, Environmental Engineer, ATK
Space Systems, [phone].
/ certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or
supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and
evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or
those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information is, to the best of my
knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for
submitting false information, including the possibility offine and imprisonment for knowing violations.
Sincerely,
George Gooch
Manager, Environmental Services
c: Jeff Vandel, DSHW
Jason Wells, ATK
Spill Report
The name, title, address and telephone number of the person reporting:
Jason Wells
Environmental Engineer
[phone]
A description including the date, time, location and nature of the reported incident:
On July 14, 2014, a Minute Man First Stage loaded case was being washed out at building M-l 15.
The crew completed the first washout steps then shutdown to adjust settings. At approximately 10:05
am, they returned to the control bunker and attempted to start the next step in the washout process
but the high-pressure pump would not reach the required pressure to start. They shut down and their
investigation found the over-pressure burst disk on one of the pumps had failed. They replaced the
burst disk, washed down the inside of the facility 1 and successfully restarted the washout process.
They did not realize water had escaped the facility on the southeast side. They continued washout
for the remainder of the shift. At approximately 2:50 pm, the crew shutdown and was walking
around the outside of M-l 15 prior to leaving for the day. They found the AP contamination and
immediately cordoned off the site and notified the appropriate support organizations.
Extent of injuries, if any:
There were no injuries associated with the spill and no immediate hazards to human health or
environment were present
The name and quantities of material(s) involved in the spill:
Approximately 100 gallons of water were released. The constituent of concern is ammonium
perchlorate (AP). The concentration of AP in the water is estimated between 8 to 10%.
An estimated quantity and disposition of the recovered material:
Approximately 100 gallons of water was released with an estimated 90 to 95 gallons flowing off of
the pavement onto surrounding soil. The water had soaked into the soil by the time the release was
observed by building personnel.
An assessment of actual or potential hazards to human health and the environment where applicable:
No immediate hazards to human health or environment were present.
Clean up status:
Soil in the affected area was excavated to a depth of approximately two feet. Soil samples were
taken at the bottom of the excavation at three points. Using the EPA Region 9 May 2014, Regional
Screening Level Industrial Soil Table (THQ=0.1), the lower part of the trench is lower than the
published ammonium perchlorate RSL of 82 mg/kg. Sampling results from the other two points
indicate additional excavation is required to meet the RSL. The excavation is planned to be
completed before July 31, 2014.
Steps taken to prevent recurrence:
Over-pressure burst disk failed at a pressure less than design parameters. The pump system did not
shut down because the over-pressure trigger point for the equipment was not reached. The most
likely cause is fatigue during years of use. Burst disks for all pumps have been replaced and a
preventative maintenance plan is being developed
Additionally, the pump's over-pressure discharge pipe was mounted in a direction that allowed water
to move toward the outside door. The relief piping has been secured to the floor and routed to the
building sum.
' Wash down water is collected for treatment and is not discharged to the environment.