EPA has integrated into the Unified Command established for the InterRoyal Fire incident, which includes the Fire Department, Fire Marshall’s Office, CTDEP, ATSDR, and local health department. EPA OSCs, public affairs staff, and technical contractors are on-scene supporting response activities. EPA’s Mobile Command Post (MCP) is en route.
The mill fire has been mostly extinguished and the smoke appears to be dissipating. Firefighters continue to water the building to target smoldering areas. Significant amounts of ash and debris have been transported by the smoke to residential and commercial areas (lawns, businesses, etc.) up to 5 miles from the site. The smoke plume has shifted from the North/Northwest and is now oriented towards the West. The Command Post, located East of the mill and out of the smoke plume path, has a clear view of the smoldering remains of the mill building. Weather forecasts for today and the rest of the week call for rain, with temperatures in the 40s – 60s F.
EPA continues to conduct total particulate air monitoring and air sampling for asbestos fibers and lead dust. Eight air samples from the first round of sampling (6-hr sampling window) are being collected and sent to a local laboratory in Wallingford for asbestos and lead analysis. Four of these samples were obtained from two nearby schools: Central School, which is located 0.2 miles from the fire, as well as a high school 3.5 miles North/Northeast of the site. Unified Command is meeting to discuss the air sampling strategy for the next round of 6-hr air samples, including placement of additional air monitoring stations that have recently arrived on-site.
CTDEP has mobilized two teams to assess whether debris and ash present in residential yards and elsewhere in the community is contaminated with asbestos and/or lead. Samples will be collected and sent, along with the air monitoring samples, to the Wallingford laboratory for asbestos and lead analysis.
An additional contaminant, methyl mythacrylate, has been detected at low levels in a retention pond on-site. This chemical is associated with plastics manufacturing. The presence of this chemical is suspected to be linked to plastic materials that were formerly stored in the abandoned mill building.
EPA will continue to conduct air monitoring for total particulates, as well as air sampling for asbestos fibers and total lead.
CTDEP will continue assessment and sampling of debris and ash in residential yards.
An evacuation has been ordered for twenty residential duplexes (approximately 40 units) in the area. Red Cross is on-scene helping to coordinate shelter and housing. All Plainfield, CT schools are closed at this time.
A press briefing will be held at noon, led by EPA, CTDEP, and the local health department.
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