At the request of CTDEP and the Plainfield, CT Fire Department, EPA OSC Elise Jakabhazy and two START contractors were dispatched to the scene of a fire at the InterRoyal Mill on Railroad Avenue in Plainfield, CT at 9:10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 to provide air monitoring support.
The fire was contained at approximately 5:30 a.m. and is still smoldering. As of 5:30 a.m., the fire department ordered a voluntary evacuation of 20 residents on nearby 1st street. Firefighters continue to water the building. Significant amounts of ash and debris have been transported by the smoke to areas surrounding the mill building. The smoke plume has shifted from the N/NE and is now oriented towards the N/NW.
EPA has been conducting air monitoring activities throughout the night. GIS coordinates of the air monitoring locations were taken, and maps and an air model of the plume path are being generated by START.
A DataRAM (total particulate monitor) and Gillian air pump (for asbestos and lead sampling) were each placed at the Command Post as well as upwind at the corner of 14A/intersection of 1st and 2nd streets. The 14A DataRAM gave an instantaneous reading of 3 mg/m3, with a Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 13 mg/m3.
Two air pumps have been placed at Central School, which is located 0.2 miles from the fire. The school is not currently in the path of the smoke plume, but may potentially be affected if winds change.
Two additional air pumps have been placed at a high school 3.5 miles N/NE of the site.
Air pumps will be ready for collection at approximately 9:00 a.m., whereupon they will be sent to a local laboratory for analysis.
OSC Gary Lipson reported to the incident scene at 0700 on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 to relieve OSC Jakabhazy. ATSDR representative Gary Perlman arrived at the scene at 0700.
EPA will continue to conduct air monitoring for total particulates, as well as air sampling for asbestos fibers and total lead. The air filter cartridges deployed overnight will be sent to a laboratory for analysis this a.m.
OSC Frank Gardner will mobilize to the scene this a.m. and relieve OSC Lipson, who will then transition to Operations Section Chief. Two addition START contractors will arrive at the scene at approximately 0900 to relieve their counterparts.
The fire department has ordered a voluntary evacuation of 20 residents on nearby 1st Street.
Region I Public Affairs has been activated due to developing media interest.
Two former EPA removal actions have been conducted at the site to address chemicals and drums.
Case pends.
|
