At the request of MEDEP, OSC Bazenas mobilized on November 15, 2010 to the abandoned Cooper Brothers apple processing facility in Turner, Maine to investigate a refrigeration system that is leaking ammonia. At 1200, OSC Bazenas reported the following from the site:
- EPA, DEP, and EPA's START contractor met on site this morning
- An entry with Level C PPE was performed.
- Air monitoring indicated levels approaching 100ppm in the ammonia refrigeration room (IDLH action level is 300ppm). These levels were present despite windows being left open.
- Air monitoring outside indicated the presence of ammonia, but at low levels
- There are two business approximately 200 yards away and the nearest residence is 200 yards.
- There is a concern that the rate of the leak could increase and there is evidence of trespass and vandalism including copper stripping.
- In light of the unstable situation, ERRS has been activated to initiate a time critical emergency removal action to address the leaking ammonia.
- An ERRS Response Manager will be on site today and the OSC anticipates removal activities will be complete within a few days.
REFER TO BULLETINS FOR UPDATED INFORMATION
LAST BULLETIN UPDATE : 11/29/2010
