At 0507 hours, OSC Mike Nalipinski deployed to a Chemical Plant explosion and resulting 10-alarm fire at CAI, Inc in Danvers, MA. Nearly 90 homes were damaged and many destroyed. These homes and many more were initially evacuated. Ten of the more than 300 people believed to be at home at the time of the explosion suffered minor injuries. Approximately 10-20 boats at the nearby Liberty Marina were damaged. The explosion was felt by residents up to 20 miles away.
Initial efforts focused upon fire suppression. Though the site is in the USCG Area of Responsibility, EPA was tasked to perform air and water sampling to assess human health and environmental impacts. Public information efforts were also extensive and EPA provided Public Information Officer Support.
Two plants were colocated in the one building. CAI Inc is a 21-year old family-run company headquartered in Georgetown, MA which manufactures inks and coatings. According to filings with state agencies, C.A.I. has less than 25 employees (between 5 - 9 in Danvers).
The second company, Arnel Comapny, Inc. is a surface coating manufacturer.
As of Wednesday 11/22/2006 at 1600 Hours:
• Danvers Fire Chief is the Incident Commander
• The cause of the explosion is unknown, though several flammable liquids were known to be stored in large quantities in the building. The fire is contained and burning itself out.
• The Red Cross has established a relief center at the Danvers High School, which was quickly filled with about 100 elderly and disabled residents of the New England Home for the Deaf. Danvers schools were closed for the day. Media interest has been intense with TV, Radio and printed media crews on site with several helicopters.
• Agencies on site include: EPA, MEDEP, MEMA, USCG, Red Cross, Ten Fire Departments, Danvers Town personnel, Criminal Investigation staff from EPA and State, OSHA, Mass Taskforce SAR teams, Fire Marshall and ATF. The Chemical Safety Board is sending a team that will arrive on Friday 11/24/2006.
• EPA and START developed air monitoring & sampling and water sampling plans; air monitoring and sampling are underway and water sampling will commence shortly. Off site labs have been alerted to prepare for receipt of water samples. Additional air monitoring equipment was delivered by the EPA equipment contractor. EPA assests on site include 2 OSC’s, 6 START and 1 Eagle Inc contractor.
• Asbestos samples were not required due to visual inspection of the debris on site, asbestos ruled out as a concern.
• 5 Air Samples were sent to the EPA Regional lab for VOC analysis; and 3 water samples from runoff water were sent to the EPA regional lab for VOC, alcohols, metals and SVOC analysis. In addition, 6 surface water samples were sent to a MADEP lab for VOC analysis.
• An incident press conference was conducted and was attended by the Incident Command, including OSC Nalipinski and Governor Romney. Other dignitaries interviewed included US Sen Kerry, US Rep. Tierney, State Sen Barry and other state officials. EPA RA Robert Varney also deployed the scene and EPA PIO Sheryl Rossner provided multiple interviews.
• EPA will continue 24/7 operations with 1 OSC and 3 START overnight, total of 4 OSC and 9 START responded today. The EPA Mobile Command Post is at the site.
As of Thursday, 11/23/2006 at 1200 hours:
• OSC Nalipinski assumed FOSC authority from the USCG for EPA at 1015 hours today. USCG personnel remain on-scene in support. Coordination with EPA R1 Contracting Officer(s) has been established in event EPA will be tasked to undertake an emergency removal action for remaining drums and other hazardous material containers.
• The fire is fully out, 24/7 operations will cease this afternoon, but EPA will continue with 2 OSC and START personnel daily; the Mobile Command Post is expected to remain on-scene.
• Air and water samples were analyzed by EPA and MADEP laboratories overnight 11/22-23. The Agency for Toxics Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and Mass Public Health Officials reviewed the data in the early morning hours and issued the following joint health statement:
o "Ambient air samples collected by EPA during the late afternoon of Wednesday, November 22, demonstrated few detections, if any. All results were well below any available health guidelines. Based on a review by ATSDR and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, these data do not present any health concerns related to chemical exposures to residents returning to the neighborhood impacted by the fire. "
• Nine water samples collected at outfall locations and on the river on 11/22 were analyzed overnight 11/22-23. Sample were reviewed and the preliminary Environmental Impact assessment is that there is a potential for moderate impact. More water samples will be collected.
• The USCG clean-up contractor has built a containment sand berm around the site and water will be pumped from the containment area as necessary.
As of Friday, November 24, 2006.
• A press conference was held at noon.
• The region procured additional funds to undertake an emergency removal action if required.
• Additional water and sediment samples were collected and sent to the EPA regional lab for analysis.
• EPA and START have provided air monitoring support with the AreaRae monitors for the state fire marshall investigations entry teams. No significant detections of volatile or toxic atmospheres were recorded.
• The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board arrived at the scene to conduct a formal investigation into the explosion.
As the emergency response moves from consequence management to recovery, an emergency removal assessment of the CAI, Inc site is underway to assess the need to remove any remaining hazardous material or containers.
The planning process for the removal and disposal of hazardous materials remaining at the scene has begun. The removal actions are pending, awaiting completion of the various investigations.
Over the next few days, the EPA will provide air monitoring support for Mass State Fire Marshall investigations and the Chemical Safety Board investigation. Additional air, water and sediment samples will be collected as requested.
Public information
Neither PRP (CAI, Inc and/or Arnel Co.)have agreed to undertake emergency removal actions at this time. Resolution is expected by tomorrow at noon.
|
