On March 25, 2014, EPA received information from King County Hazardous Waste Program regarding the improper storage of chemicals within a residential neighborhood in the City of Seattle. The photographs included in this presentation were taken by or in cooperation with members of the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) and King County Hazardous Waste Program (King Co.). The photographs depict a number of containers with a variety of hazardous chemicals on the Property. Based on the labels in these photographs, the chemicals on the Property appear to include elements or compounds of arsenic, benzidine, cadmium, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrite, carbon tetrachloride, and vanadium pentoxide.
These chemicals found on the Property could pose a substantial threat to public health and the environment if released. Discussion with the SFD and King Co. concluded that immediate investigation and removal of the threats was appropriate.
On March 28, 2014, EPA and an EPA technical contractor visited the property with consent of the residents. On the side of the house and in the backyard, and the basement area a large number of containers, some labelled and many unlabeled, containing various chemicals are present. The containers all present the appearance not being properly managed, many are rusting. Labels observed included poison and corrosive. Containers with the following specific labels were also were observed: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid,, lead oxide, chromium chloride, and vanadium pentoxide.
There are numerous unlabeled containers located on the property. Most of the unlabeled containers contain liquid which is not yet identified. SFD Special Hazards Unit has listed the residence as a dangerous building due to the chemicals contained within and on the property.
After observing the quantity and kinds of hazardous chemicals located on the Property, and considering the hazards posed by these chemicals, including the threats of exposure, fire, and explosion. EPA determined that containers and chemicals on the Property should be removed immediately in order to protect both the occupants of the Property as well as the adjacent neighbors and surrounding neighborhood.
