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 and outlying rural areas (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, derailed rail tankers, etc.
EPA has transitioned collection of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and white goods to Kiowa County as of June 8, 2007.
EPA has transitioned collection of air samples, air monitoring, and hazardous material response to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment as of June 9, 2007.
Bulk asbestos samples were taken at six residential locations. Property owners will be contacted with the results through the EPA Region 7 Office in Kansas City.
Extraction of Freon from white goods has begun.
As of June 8, 2007, the total HHW items collected was 36,728.
As of June 9, 2007, the EPA team has demobilized from Greensburg. EPA is prepared to offer technical assistance as needed.
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