The Chesapeake Fire Marshall reported an urea ammonium nitrate spill to EPA today. The spill originated from the Allied Terminals Compound in Chesapeake, VA. EPA OSCs are on scene to assist the VA Department of Emergency Management and the Chesapeake Fire Department, the leads for the response.
Early estimates indicated a 250,000 gallon spill from the facility. A 2.3 million gallon aboveground steel roof fixed tank collapsed during repairs. The tank spilled 2 million gallons of urea ammonium nitrate (liquid fertilizer) into its containment and the adjacent area. The spill flooded three city streets and some yards, and moved toward the Elizabeth River. Two workers doing tank maintenance were injured and taken to the hospital.
EPA is on site to assist the Department of Emergency Management and the local Fire Department by assessing the extent of contamination and cleanup needs. Currently EPA has walked the neighborhood and identified the highest impacted areas. VDEQ, EPA and the US Coast Guard have been monitoring the potential impact to the river and on the homes. Both EPA and the Allied are providing air monitoring during the event.
The Allied facility has hired HEPACO to conduct the cleanup in the area. The initial cleanup has focused heavily on removing liquids from residential areas by using berms, damns, and pumping liquids into fract trucks. Railroad tracks through the facility have been closed pending inspection from Labor and Industry.
The Chesapeake Fire Department has informed residents of the incident. The department has also highly recommended the evacuation of the two streets closest to the facility. Residents on the following two streets away from the facility were encouraged to evacuate to avoid the noise and bright lights of the cleanup operations.
Approximately 23 homes may be evacuated. Evacuation information is being handled at the South Norfolk Community Center, 1217 Godwin Avenue. Residents who are evacuating are being offered accomodations. Residents may return to their homes as soon as Fire and Health Department officials clear the area.
The Fire Department has assigned a public information officer. He may be reached at 757-377-2886.
EPA will continue to work closely with the Fire Department and the Health Department to assist with clearing the area.
The next operations Briefing will be held at 0600 11/12/2008.
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