On May 24, 2016, USEPA received information from MDEQ regarding upcoming storm water sampling efforts at the L’Anse Warden Fuel Aggregation Facility. The sampling efforts involved both unannounced sampling by MDEQ, as well as self-monitoring sampling by the facility.

MDEQ performed the unannounced sampling on June 21, 2016, at the facility, in a stream that receives storm water runoff on the west perimeter of the site. Representative sampling methods detailed at 40 CFR 136 were used. See results below. 

MDEQ tested for pollutants that could potentially be present in the storm water runoff from the creosote and PCP treated railroad ties, along with other pollutant parameters.  None of the analyzed pollutants were detected in the storm water.

The second part of the sampling effort required the site to submit a self-monitoring work plan to MDEQ for approval before sampling could begin.
See below for the May 26, 2016 letter from MDEQ to the facility as well as the approved plan.

Requirements of the plan included proper sampling, analysis, and reporting during the study period.

Samples will be taken during 3 unique precipitation events, ending in October 2016.

• L'Anse Warden stream sampling analytic results (PDF)(5 pp, 239 K, July 21, 2016)
  Analytic results from MDEQ’s June 21, 2016 stream sampling on site at L’Anse Warden Fuel Aggregation Facility
• MDEQ letter requiring short term water characterization study (PDF)(3 pp, 804 K, May 26, 2016)
  May 26, 2016 Correspondence from MDEQ to L’Anse Warden Fuel Aggregation Facility requiring development of a Short-Term Water Characterization Study
• L'Anse Warden Short Term Storm Water Characterization Study Work Plan (PDF)(8 pp, 893 K, June 15, 2016)
  Approved Work Plan for Short-Term Storm Water Characterization Study for L’Anse Warden Fuel Aggregation Facility