On July 28, 2005, EPA Region 6 was notified of a large fire and heavy plume at the Valley Solvent and Chemical Company, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Several explosions, injuries and nearby evacuations were reported. The smoke could be seen for 30+ miles.
Valley Solvent and Chemical is a chemical repackaging facility located approximately four miles north of downtown Fort Worth. Valley maintains a large inventory and variety of hazardous substances in tanks, drums and smaller containers. The site is located in an industrial complex with adjacent residential areas located less than one mile to the south and west. The cause remains under investigation.
Contractors continue to analyze, pretreat and accumulate runoff water. Organics, pH, metals and foaming are the primary concerns.
Off-spec discharges to the POTW yesterday were documented, and the City of Fort Worth issued Valley Solvents a Notice of Violation. EPA Enforcement is developing a Cease and Desist Order to address off-spec discharges and reinforce compliance.
Threat of rain raises concerns about containment of runoff water. Removal into frac-tanks continues.
OSC Harris conducted a site disciplinary meeting at 1700 hours to address: communication problems; chain-of-command; contractor and RP accountability; pretreatment compliance; lack of compliance with TCEQ, EPA and City of Fort Worth directives; runoff water management; the need for a definitive chemical inventory; and the potential for criminal investigation if resolution of these issues is not immediate, complete and lasting.
On Wednesday, OSC Franklin requested that Valley Solvents produce a copy of their SPCC, if applicable. Today, Valley Solvents informed OSC Harris that they are not covered by SPCC requirements and have no such plan.
Numerous fractionation tanks are staged at the two containment dams, and continue accumulating and pretreating contaminated runnoff for discharge to POTW.
TCEQ will coordinate site remediation once investigators release the site.
EPA Cease and Desist Order will be hand-delivered to Valley Solvents on Friday (08/05/05)
Extreme heat
Threat of rain and impact on containment dams
Off-spec discharges
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