EPA continues to direct response activities at the scene of the InterRoyal Mill fire in Plainfield, CT. CTDEP has conducted some area reconnaissance today to verify the extent of debris fall-out. The results of their evaluation appear to confirm the initial characterization of the horizontal extent of the deposition plume.
EPA continues to conduct total particulate (dusts) air monitoring at the InterRoyal Mill and surrounding areas. Monitoring for airborne particulates has shown that the 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) dust concentration has decreased, on average, by 25% over the course of incident. Dust levels continue to be below the incident health action level at all air monitoring stations. The site action level is the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level [PEL] of 150 ug/m3 – National Ambient Air Quality Standard [NAAQS] based on exposure averaged over 24 hours.
Debris collection throughout the neighborhood continues, with EPA’s Emergency Response and Rapid Services (ERRS) teams working 12-hour shifts (0700-1900 hours) through the weekend and following week as necessary. Residences and schools have been prioritized for cleanup, followed by publicly-owned properties, open areas, etc. Consistent with previous EPA asbestos removal actions, collection teams are moving through the neighborhood, conducting thorough visual examinations of exterior surfaces and collecting visible debris by hand. Fine materials may be collected with vacuum trucks or vacuum back-packs.
ERRS have cleared visible debris from properties along the following streets: 1st Street, Pleasant Street, Kavela Street, as well as the western portion of Lover’s Lane. Eleven bags of debris and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE – suits, booties, etc.) were collected yesterday, and it is anticipated that approximately 14 will be collected today.
Cleanup workers plan to target the following streets for debris collection next: Lover’s Lane, followed by Jackson Road, Pickett Road, and Blackhill Road.
Site security for the emergency response continues to be conducted through ERRS by the Plainfield Police Department. The Mill site has been declared a crime scene and all access to the site is being coordinated through the Police Chief. It is anticipated that the criminal investigation will be completed by tonight. EPA will continue to evaluate site security needs to determine when a transition from police-lead to a commercial security service is appropriate.
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