United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region I
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

This is an ongoing response to a chemical fire and explosion in Danvers Massachusetts.  Two companies, CAI Inc. and Arnell Co were colocated in a building on Water Street.  At approximately 0300hrs, a fire and explosion of unknown origin resulted in the destruction of the building and significant damage to many homes and businesses in the vicinity.  There were no fatalities; several persons were hospitalized, but all have been released as of 11/25/06.

Massachusetts State Fire Marshall Crime Scene Investigators and ATF have begun to pick through the debris pile.  Their investigation is expected to be completed by 11/27/2006.  

The involved companies, CAI and Arnel have not agreed to accept responsibility for cleanup activites.  The OSC has issued a verbal Notice-to-Proceed to the ERRS contractor for $250,000; ERRS and the OSC will conduct a site walk-through on 11/26/2006.

USCG personnel are on-scene, providing direction to their cleanup contractor and assisting with information gathering for health and safety.

The Masasachusetts DEP is providing on-scene support as well.

The planning process for the removal action continues.  Coordination with local officials and the MADEP has facilitated planning process.

Mobilize the ERRS contractor; prepare site for trailers and staging areas.

Multi-agency coordination will become more complex as the process moves from response to recovery.