On 11 August 2009, TCEQ requested EPA assistance concerning the fire at the I-27 Recycling Center. TCEQ requested for the ASPECT plane to fly over the incident location and collect air monitoring data in the smoke plume and downwind of the fire.
The responding EPA OSC and START-3 mobilized to the site to provide further assistance to TCEQ as necessary.
The fire began on 10 August 2009 between 1600 and 1800 hours. It was reported that a spark from a vehicle started the fire, but the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The facility recycles wood and asphalt shingles.
On 11 August 2009 at 1330 hours, the ASPECT plane began to fly over the incident location. The ASPECT plane flew over the incident location 5 times to collect air monitoring data. The only constituent detected was peroxyacetinitrate (PAN) in very low concentrations downwind from the fire. There were not any other chemicals detected.
At 2100 hours, EPA OSC Adam Adams and START-3 arrived on-site. EPA and START-3 observed the fire was contained by fire roads and berms. TCEQ reported the berms were constructed by the local fire departments. There were not any firefighing efforts conducted overnight, but the fire was monitored to ensure it would not spread.
On 12 August 2009, EPA, TCEQ, and local officials will meet to discuss the future actions at the site.
The nearest residence is located approximately .5 miles north of the incident location.
There were not any evacuations.
TCEQ conducted perimeter air monitoring during the day.
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