The EQ Resource Recovery chemical fire is located at 36345 Van Born Rd., Romulus, MI (Latitude 42.1581 & Longitude -83.2388). The evacuation area, which includes about 900 homes, includes the areas surrounded by Cogswell to Wayne Rd. and Van Born Rd. to Annapolis Rd. The Incident Command and the EPA Command Post are located on Treadwell.
On August 12, ERT, REAC, and START continued to use Area Rae, Rapid Assessment Tools (RAT), and the TAGA to sample and monitor the air quality surrounding the facility. Results continue to show concentrations of VOCs and particulates to be at background levels. RAEC and START also collected bulk samples from ash and debris deposited by the fire. EQ mobilized equipment to remove the canopy structure from the former drum storage area, allowing access to fires that continue to burn under the roof. Perimeter monitoring by START for VOCs and particulates show concentrations ranging from 0 to 2 ppm for VOCs and 27 to 42 micrograms per meter cubed (ug/m3)for particulates. Roof removal activities we ceased due to darkness.
On August 13, ERT, REAC, and START continued to use Area Rae, RAT, and the TAGA to sample and monitor the air quality. Results received showed concentrations of VOCs and particulates contined to be at background levels. The Western Wayne County Hazmat crews collected 10 waste samples from within the hot zone to evaluate for hazard categorization (HazCat). Results from HazCat testing revealed several flammable materials and one slight oxidizer, but revealed no cyanide, sulfide, or water reactive materials. pH concentrations ranged from 5 to 8 standard units. EQ contractors finished removing the roof structure and fire crews extinguished the remaining smoldering areas.
August 14, 2005 ERT, REAC, and START continued to use Area Raes and RAT to monitor the air quality. Results received showed concentrations of VOCs and particulates continued to be at background levels. the Incident Commander initiated fire investigation activities of the site. TAGA and REAC were demobilized from the site.
EQ will commence clean up activities when the fire investigation is completed. EPA will continue to air monitor in the area and conduct oversight of cleanup activities.
1. Continuation of RAT and AreaRae air monitoring.
2. Conduct oversight and documentation of clean up activities.
3. Review the Site Plans and Health and Safety Plans with USCG-AST.
EPA, ATSDR, and state and local health officials will discuss the results of bulk and wipe samples collected.
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