Field work at the Ascon Landfill Site during the week of March 16 is planned to include:

HAMILTON AVENUE: Placement of water filled traffic barriers (k-rails) in the shoulder area of Hamilton Avenue, beginning east of the Site driveway and continuing east approximately 500 feet to prevent pedestrian and bicycle access adjacent to the 16-foot barrier fence. Flag persons will be present during this activity for traffic safety. This action is being taken in an abundance of caution due to cracking of the earthen berm parallel to Hamilton Avenue (more information under “Northern Zone” below).

NORTHERN ZONE: Twenty-four hour inspection has been instituted for an unexcavated area of Ascon’s earthen berm parallel to Hamilton Avenue check status of slope. Future action is anticipated in this area to stabilize the 70-year-old berm. Nine potential berm repair or stabilization options were submitted to DTSC for review and direction.

A reinforced plastic cover was placed over this area last week in advance of rain. This precaution has been implemented before prior rain events, following the first observation of cracking and notification to DTSC in January. Recent inspections of the berm have been conducted with DTSC and City officials, including an onsite contingency planning discussion with City and fire department representatives last week.

LOOK AHEAD: Sampling for the ongoing groundwater monitoring program will be conducted on Thursday, March 26, including at offsite monitoring well locations in the community both north and east of Ascon. This is routine sampling with field professionals briefly opening dedicated monitoring wells to conduct sampling. Results of all groundwater sampling are provided to DTSC.

SITEWIDE: Ascon conducted a stormwater inspection in advance of forecasted rain. Rain-related activity may include pumping out stormwater from onsite some ponded areas to other areas of the Ascon site.

There will be continued inspection and maintenance of stormwater management measures to maintain compliance with Ascon stormwater permit. Stormwater management is subject to inspection by the City stormwater inspector.

  • Learn more about stormwater management at Ascon on AsconHB.com under the Our Safety Commitment tab. Click on “Learn More” to read the explainer.

SITEWIDE AND OFFSITE: Air quality monitoring continues, both on the Ascon site and at offsite community locations. Air quality monitoring data are posted under the Actively Monitoring Air Quality tab and also on the Ascon Landfill Site web page on the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) website, Envirostor.

EASTERN ZONE: Regular inspection of the “Pit F” tent will be conducted.

SITEWIDE: Weed abatement will be conducted as needed throughout the Site as part of stormwater management and fire protection. Plant overgrowth is removed near silt fences as part of necessary weed abatement, leaving roots in place to help prevent erosion.

Equipment used for this work may include:

  • Small power equipment, such as a weed wacker or mower

SITEWIDE: Dust and odor mitigation measures continue to be implemented. This includes applying a non-toxic odor suppressant material in excavated and graded zones which forms a hard clay-based shell, covering excavated materials with reinforced plastic covers, and also use of a water truck to mist interior roadways and areas where field work is occurring. Learn more about these ongoing activities and other activities conducted to maintain a safe cleanup project under the Our Safety Commitment tab.

SITEWIDE: Soil sealant will be applied to access and interior roads as a routine dust control action.

HAMILTON AVENUE AND MAGNOLIA STREET: Workers will conduct routine cleanup and removal of trash and debris thrown at and between the concrete base for the 16-foot fence around the outside of Ascon.

SITEWIDE: Supplies needed for ongoing Site maintenance may be expected for delivery.

SITEWIDE: 24-hour onsite security continues.

North Berm K-rails March 13, 2020
Traffic barriers (k-rails) staged at the Ascon site prior to placement on the south shoulder of Hamilton Avenue. In an abundance of caution, traffic barriers prevent pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles accessing this area, due to concerns about tension cracks on the interior earthen berm. Options to stabilize and repair the berm have been submitted to DTSC. Additional measures are taken during the rain and onsite professionals conduct 24-hour inspection of the berm. Read our update, Additional Precautions Taken on Hamilton Avenue and on North Berm, for more details.
North Berm K-rail Installation March 14, 2020
Placement of traffic barriers (k-rails) along Hamilton Avenue on Saturday morning, March 14. Read our update, Additional Precautions Taken on Hamilton Avenue and on North Berm, for more details.

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