Severe storms with rain, hail, high winds, and tornadoes moved through eight counties in central/western Kansas during the evening of May 4, 2007. The city of Greensburg (Kiowa County, approximately 1,500 residents) was hit directly by an F5 tornado. This particular tornado tracked through six counties (starting in Comanche, Kiowa, Edwards, Stafford, Pratt, and Barton Counties). EPA dispatched three On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) to the scene with the response truck and mobile command post, and they reported observing scattered miscellaneous hazardous waste, including solvents, paints, propane tanks, chlorine cylinders, anhydrous ammonia tanks, rail tankers, etc.
EPA and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are jointly coordinating and monitoring the cleanup of oil from the Union Pacific rail cars.
The Continuity Operations Plan (COOP) needs electrical power to complete the transfer from an ammonia bulk tank and will have power restored on May 11 to complete the transfer. The transfer of propane from a propane bulk storage tank is complete.
EPA is overseeing the transfer of contents of an overturned tractor trailer containing aviation motor oil. EPA assisted Kansas Fire Marshall HazMat in the removal of chemicals, including a large quantity of mercury containers from the Greensburg High School. EPA along with the Superfund Technical Assistance And Response Team (START) is collecting data on the locations of PCB transformers that may have leaked, and is developing a database and map of these locations.
EPA, in coordination with KDHE and local officials, has located a suitable staging area for hazardous materials that are recovered. The county has signed an access agreement for use of the area.
EPA has contractor personnel at the burn pit area assisting in segregation of any hazardous material from the truck loads of debris arriving to be burned. START conducted sampling of a new burn pit just south of the existing burn pit. Use of this new pit is expected to start on May 11.
The Airborne Spectral Photometry Environmental Collection Technology aircraft has been requested to provide geo-rectified aerial photography of the tornado path and debris field to further identify any hazardous materials, tanks, etc., which may have been impacted.
EPA participated in the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 14 meeting for the Supplemental Appropriation for reconstruction.
Reconnaissance of impacted areas continues, including previously assessed situations to confirm their status has not changed. EPA provided the ESF 10 input for the Incident Action Plan being developed for tomorrow's operational period.
KDHE has evaluated commercial and public buildings for potential asbestos materials and they have posted signs on 22 buildings informing owners to use wet methods during demolition, loading, and transfer of materials to the construction and demolition landfill.
Meetings are being held to determine the best course of action for the PCB-containing electrical transformers damaged by the storm. EPA and START are collecting Groundwater Protection Strategy information on the locations of transformers, and a database and map are being developed.
Planning is being done for the layout of the hazardous materials staging area, along with planning a strategy for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection. KDHE has begun distributing fliers to the local residents instructing them to place their household hazardous waste at curbside for pickup and disposal.
EPA is continuing to work with KDHE on the PCB transformer issues by sampling and containerizing. They are also continuing the preparation of the HHW staging area and initiating the pick up of HHW and white goods that have been placed on right-of-ways.
Meetings concerning the cleanup and disposal of PCB-containing transformers and contaminated soil/debris will continue as a high priority. EPA will be available to conduct air monitoring as requested by KDHE.
KDHE will have one of their asbestos personnel on-site to evaluate asbestos issues and make recommendations as to disposal of possible asbestos containing debris.
Key Personnel in Command Structure:
Incident Commander: Jack Taylor, Emporia Fire Dept.
State Coordinator: Angee Morgan, KDEM
Federal Coordinating Officer: Mike Karl, FEMA
Public Information Officer: COL. Peat, National Guard
Operations Section Chief: Alan Stahl, Topeka Fire Dept.
Lead KDHE in Greensburg: Dan Wells
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