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H _ PHASE I I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT 4101 S. Airport Way, Stockton, CA August 2009, Page 6 of 15 4.4 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) According to the facility manager(Ref 5 &photo 6, Appendix A), PCBs are present in ballasts in fluorescent lights inside of the facility. The quantity and locations of PCB- containing ballasts are unknown because they are gradually replaced with PCB-free ballasts as the ballasts become inoperable. Electrical transformers may contain PCBs. There were no pole-mounted electrical transformers observed on the subject property. There is,however,a surface-mounted electrical box located on the eastern side of the property(photo 10,Appendix A).The box is not shown on the 1956 plot plan and is likely a replacement for an older model. It is not clear if the box contains a transformer. Labels indicating the presence or absence of PCBs were not observed on the box. 4.5 Spills and Releases As discussed in Section 4.2, during the site inspection there was visual evidence that releases may have occurred on the adjacent property to the west,and that they may have had an impact on the subject property(photos 20-23; Appendix A). Three distinct areas of stained and discolored soil,and dead and distressed vegetation were observed along western property boundary (Site Plan,Appendix B.). These areas include one that is about 40 feet long and 10 feet wide,adjacent to the fence and near a set of cooling towers situated on the Sierra Chemical Company property.Two other similar areas are also located along the western property fence line,near a rail spur. One of the areas is approximately 5 feet wide and 90 feet long and the other is about 15 feet long and 15 feet wide. The areas with stained soil and distressed vegetation are contiguous with similar areas on the adjacent property to the west. All of the areas are all in close proximity to chemical storage and mixing areas on the Sierra Chemical Company property,and active chemical mixing was being performed within a few feet of the property line at the time of the site reconnaissance. Labels observed on chemical containers on the neighboring property during the site reconnaissance indicated that the containers held hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite(poly tanks)and nitrogen(steel tank). Rail cars were being used for the storage and transportation of chlorine gas. A 3-to 4-foot high pile of soil with vegetative cover was observed near the northwestern comer of the subject property(photo 19;Appendix A). There was no visual evidence of debris, containers, or chemicals in the soil, and its origin is unknown.