The 55 gallon drum kerfuffle
To my surprise, even now the details have not been published in local news media, so I’m making more info available here.
- The 55 gallon drum (dented, rusty, with a few holes) was found in an out-of-the-way part of the Central Operable Unit (COU) in the Walnut Creek drainage [not in the Refuge].
- Pre-screening: a radiological survey showed background levels; checked externally with gas detector for volatile organic compounds—none found, no sign of any environmental impact—no soil staining
- After pilot hole tested, fully opened. The moist interior of the drum contained a mouse nest but nothing else—no fluid.
- A “1,1,1-Trichloroethane” (solvent, degreaser) label was found below the drum in the excavation (less than 30 inches deep).
- Legacy Management removed the drum on December 11th.
A redacted PDF including small photographs is here.