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Oscrept. ac ,,,,,.. ........ . ... .�� .. ,.. ... ..... ,...... _. ...,.... . . ..,.,Page-17; sides of the canyon. Consistently high concentrations of zinc were detected in samples of ash residue . Zinc concentrations ranged from 137, 000 to 183 , 000 ppm. The ash analysis indicated cobalt, copper and lead were above background levels but below cleanup action levels . On November 20, 1996, the State collected soil samples saturated with pyrolytic oil . The results indicated relatively high concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons . The concentrations ranged from 54 , 000 to 73 , 000 mg/kg TRPH. The pyrolytic oil was also analyzed for metals, volatile and semi-volatile compounds . Elevated levels of volatile and semi-volatile organics were detected in the oil . Ethyl benzene, styrene, toluene and xylenes were detected at 14 mg/kg to 530 mg/kg in the pyrolytic oil samples . Napthalene, 2-methylnapthalene, anthracene and pyrene were detected at 29 mg/kg to 125 mg/kg. Heavy metal concentrations were low. The California Regonal Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) regulates the cleanup of oil spills onto land surfaces . Based upon cleanup criteria used by CRWQCB for past petroleum spills in areas with similar environmental conditions, the recommended soil cleanup level would be 10, 000 mg/kg TRPH. The petroleum hydrocarbon contamination at the Panoche Tire Fire Site was 5 to 7 times greater than the recommended soil cleanup level . The analytical report for pyrolytic oil samples is in appendix 2 . F. Treatment/Disposal/Alternative Technology Approaches Pursued And Followed There was no treatment or disposal of hazardous waste materials during this removal action. Additional characterization to determine the extent and magnitude of soil contamination was conducted, however, this work had to be delayed until the fire had burned itself out and the soils had cooled. Remediation or stabilization of contaminated ash and soil was deemed necessary by all the involved agencies . The discharge of highly contaminated runoff from the ash pile into Little Panoche Creek would likely result in significant impacts to the environment, fish and wildlife . The estimated volume of contaminated ash and debris (not including soil) was 25, 000 cubic yards . The underflow dam was a temporary containment structure . During a heavy runoff, the floating oil product would be contained, but metals, dissolved hydrocarbons, ash, suspended solids and other entrained contaminants would be released. The treatment or removal of waste materials would have been difficult due to the massive quantities of metal debris consisting of steel wire, belts and drums covering the bottom and slopes of the canyon. Based on an estimate of two pounds of steel