Montana Pole 



The Montana Post and Pole Treatment facility in Butte 

 operated from 1947-84, using a solution of 5 percent penta- 

 chlorophenol (PCP) and 95 percent diesel petroleum to 

 preserve utility poles, posts, and mine and bridge timbers. 

 The pole plant discharged condensate from the treating 

 operation into a ditch that runs north from the plant under 

 the interstate bridge toward Silver Bow Creek until 1982 (it 

 is not known for what period of time this discharge occur- 

 red) . In 1983, an oil seep, most likely from a variety of 

 sources, was identified on the south bank of Silver Bow 

 Creek. The seep and Silver Bow Creek were sampled and 

 analyzed for PCP, oil, and grease. Nine monitoring wells 

 were installed in July 1983, two upgradient and seven 

 downgradient of the facility. Based on the ground and 

 surface water sample results and the estimated seepage of two 

 to five gallons per day (gpd) , the EPA Emergency Response 

 Branch was brought in to conduct a site investigation. Eight 

 additional downgradient wells were installed in April 1987. 



A removal action has been underway at the site since 

 July 1985 to alleviate seepage to Silver Bow Creek, collect 

 product from the ground water, remove contaminated soil, and 

 stabilize the site. Two separate product recovery systems 

 were installed, and an interception trench was constructed to 

 prevent further seepage into Silver Bow Creek. In 1986, 

 about 9,000 gallons of product were detoxified and are now 

 held on-site. Approximately 10,000 cubic yards of con- 

 taminated soil were excavated and bagged and are also stored 

 on-site in five steel buildings. 



Contaminants identified at the site include PCP, diesel, 

 dioxin, hydrocarbons, and small amounts of creosote and 

 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) . At present, the site is 

 stabilized, and only a very small amount of oil is seeping 

 from the area. There is still contaminant movement through 

 the ground water system, but so far most contaminants have 

 been intercepted by the three recovery trenches that are 

 still being pumped. A floating boom or pads placed in Silver 

 Bow Creek trap oil seeping into the creek. 



To date, Superfund dollars have been utilized to fund 

 the cleanup at the Montana Pole site. EPA and DHES have 

 recently completed a PRP search to determine if some cost 

 recovery will be possible (the owner of the facility at the 

 time of shutdown is bankrupt) . 



The EPA Emergency Response Branch activities have been 

 phased out. The State of Montana (DHES) will be assuming 

 lead responsibility for the site under cooperative agreement 

 with EPA. DHES contracted with CDM in September 1988 to 



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