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w .4..., v, ..,.. . .. .. ._. ,v Oscrepf.bac Little Panoche Creek was a small tributary of the San Joaquin River. The release of toxic air contaminants was a major health concern. Tire fires are similar to petroleum fires and can produce high levels volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene . The emissions from tire fires can also contain high levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, such as napthalene, carbon monoxide, zinc oxide and particulate matter. The potential for the formation of dioxins and dibenzofurans also exists . The threat to water sources was also a major environmental concern. Fighting the fires with high volumes of water and foam can accelerate the production of pyrolitic oil resulting in massive runoff problems . The runoff could contaminate soil, surface water and groundwater. A tire fire in Santa Rosa, California used one million gallons of water. An estimated 200, 000 gallons seeped into the soil and contaminated the groundwater. According to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) , there was no localized information on groundwater depth. The depth to regional groundwater was about 300 feet, but there could be a higher groundwater table in the immediate area due to the close proximity of Little Panoche Creek. Soil contamination can result from large tire fires . High levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium, chromium and lead have been reported in ash and soil at a number of tire fire sites . 5 . Efforts to Obtain Response by PRPs The tire dump site was owned and operated by Manuel and Anita Choperena. Mr. Choperena was deceased. On May 23 , 1996, the FOSC issued Ms . Choperena a written Notice of Federal Interest . Ms . Choperena claimed that she did not possess the financial resources to undertake the removal action. B . Organization of the Response The removal action was conducted under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) , as amended. The organization and primary contacts are summarized below: