On Tuesday, August 9, about 9:15 PM, a large fire erupted at EQ Resource Recovery Inc., a licensed hazardous waste facility located at 36345 Van Born Road in Romulus, Michigan (Latitude 42.1581 & Longitude -83.2388). The Incident Command and the EPA Command Post are now located at the EQ Facility on Van Born Avenue. The facility has approximately thirty-nine (39) above-ground storage tanks ranging in sizes up to 15,000 gallons, of which twenty-nine (29) were impacted by the fire/explosion. In addition, a propylene glycol re-boiler and a drum pad with overhead canopy and approximately four-hundred (400) drums of various products were destroyed. Multiple fire departments with more than one-hundred (100) firefighters responded, with Incident Command (IC) established by the Romulus Fire Chief. Due to the intensity of the fire and the nature of the material involved, approximately twelve-hundred (1,200) homes, as well as GM and Ford Motor Company manufacturing facilities, were evacuated in the Cities of Romulus and Wayne. Shelters were set up at the two Romulus area high schools and a church hall.
Preliminary air samples collected in the fire smoke plume and analyzed by the EPA-ERT TAGA unit did not show elevated levels of hazardous materials, as determined by ATSDR, Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), and the Wayne County Health Department (WCHD). In addition, six wipe samples were collected and sent to the EPA-ERT laboratory and analyzed for base/neutral/acid compounds (BNAs). After reviewing the analytical results from the first six wipe samples collected, the health agencies determined that the chemical concentrations were below health concern levels, and the residents were allowed to return to their homes. Continuous air monitoring of the perimeter of the facility and in the neighborhood downwind of the facility was conducted utilizing Area Raes, which were monitoring for VOCs, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and lower explosive limit. U.S. EPA START and REAC contractors continued investigating the residential area impacted by the plume by collecting four wipe samples from twenty residential properties, two from the upwind and downwind side facing the fire. The EPA-ERT laboratory analyzed the wipe forty samples (with additional samples for field and laboratory blanks) for BNAs and metals. Laboratory results were shared with the health agencies, which then made recommendations on how the residents could cleanup fire debris from their lawns and pools.
On Aug 15, 2005, analytical results were returned from the the wipe samples and bulk samples. After consultation with ATSDR, Wayne County Health Department, and the Michigan Department of Community Health, it was determined that the analytical results showed no level of concern to public health. A press conference was held to announce these results. All Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT) and Area Rae activities were terminated. EQ subcontractors continued to conduct perimeter air monitoring with Area Raes, with oversight and periodic confirmation by START. EQ began removing liquids stored in fractionation tanks in the front of the facility and transported them to a Clean Harbors in Sarnia, Ontario. These tanks were not impacted by the fire.
On August 16, 2005, a REAC Plant Pathologist was mobilized to the site to investigate possible impact to trees and plant life as a result of the fire. In the containment sump areas, EQ began removal of fire suppression water and free liquids, which originated from fire impacted containers. USCG-AST reviewed the Site Safety Plan, General Tank Transfer Plan, and Asbestos Abatement Plan.
On August 17, 2005, EQ mobilizes additional cleanup contractors. Incident Command identified immediate hazards that needed to be addressed prior to fire and insurance investigation. Hazards included: free liquids in containment; leaking tanks; and exposed asbestos. EQ began developing plans to address imminent hazards.
On August 18, 2005, EQ mobilized an asbestos abatement contractor to and begin the abatement. EQ cleanup contractors conducted an entry into the facility to assess free liquids and leaking tanks. Insurance investigators conducted an initial assessment.
On August 19, 2005, EQ's cleanup contractor began to address leaking tanks by applying non-aggressive patches. Five leaks were located in tank farm #3. Free liquids were identified in all three tank farms; #1, #2, and #3. Asbestos abatement activities continued. The Incident Commander and USCG continued to review the Health and Safety Plan and Work Plans. START continued to oversee the cleanup contractor to ensure contractor's work does not compromise the fire investigation.
On August 20, 2005, EQ's contractor completed the asbestos abatement. Approximately 300 linear feet of asbestos was removed. The Non-aggresive patching activities created additional leaks, therefore those activities ceased. Activities then focused on addressing free liquids and pumping out leaking tanks.
On August 21, EQ's contractor began pumping the sump from tank farm #3 containment. Approximately 200 gallons were removed from this area.
On August 22, EQ's contractor began removing liquids from tanks #42, #43, and #44. A total of 42,000 gallons of material including MIBK and MEK were removed from these tanks. Plans were also made to reduce the hot zone perimeter, once all leaks have been minimized and free product has been removed from the sump area.
1. Continue vacuum operations on the sump and tank farm areas.
2. Remove materials from leaking tanks.
3. Initiate fire and insurance investigations.
1. Conduct oversight and documentation of clean up activities.
2. Review the Site Plans, Air Monitoring Plans and Health and Safety Plans with USCG-AST
EPA will attempt to pursue an Administrative Order of Consent with the PRP to provide Removal oversight.
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