The Chesapeake Fire Marshall reported a urea ammonium nitrate spill to EPA on November 12th. The spill originated from the Allied Terminals Compound in Chesapeake, VA. EPA On Scene Coordinators (OSC) 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. More accurate figures show that 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.
The Allied facility has hired HEPACO to conduct the cleanup in the area. The initial cleanup focused heavily on removing liquids from residential areas by using berms, dams, and pumping liquids into frac trucks. Railroad tracks through the facility have been closed pending inspection from Labor and Industry.
EPA OSCs are on site 24 hours each day to assist the Department of Emergency Management and the local Fire Department by assessing the extent of contamination and cleanup needs. 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 contractor are providing air monitoring during the event. EPA has a Public Information Officer assigned to the incident.
As of this morning an estimated 790,000 gallons of product had been collected. As of this evening an estimated 1,483,800 gallons of material have been collected. Of the material collected, 1,263,800 gallons are likely reclaimable product. HEPACO continues pumping materials into storage tanks and frac trucks.
Rain has helped to significantly reduce exposure to the fertilizer but it has created large volumes of water that need to be managed. HEPACO has managed the large influx of water with the use of fixed tanks and mobile frac trucks. Flooding has been well contained. HEPACO has focused its resources on addressing the response area west of Rosemont Rd. This area included the failed tank and its containment area. Approximately 1,135,000 gallons were collected from the failed tank’s containment area today.
Heavy rains in the area significantly impacted the response. EPA has been closely monitoring operations at two impacted outfall areas that were diked yesterday to prevent releases. These outlets are the only source of drainage for the area and are being managed carefully. Rainwater at a diesel storage tank area has been addressed to prevent the potential of tanks floating.
The Chesapeake Water Department evaluated that the fertilizer is not a concern within the city drinking system. The Department was recommending the boiling of water because of a potential for bacteria in the system, from an earlier system break. Test results indicated that municipal residential drinking water is free from bacteria, and residents have been notified of the test results.
EPA has arranged for sampling of drinking water wells at two homes. Those sample results should are expected by midnight today. Residents have been notified to contact the Virginia Department of Health if they believe they have a drinking water well. Most residents in the area are connected to the municipal water system.
Residents who had been voluntarily evacuated from their homes will be allowed to return tonight.
Operations are being moved from the neighborhood open field to areas within the facility, closer to the spill source.
VDEQ is making arrangements to monitor water quality along the Elizabeth River. These efforts will include sampling and boat operations.
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