On 9/222/09, EPA responded to a large fire which encompassed a tire sales facility in Chadbourn, Columbus County, NC. Tires stored in the building became engulfed, creating a large and difficult fire. EPA was asked by local and state officials for assistance to mitigate the threat to public health, welfare, and the environment posed by hazardous substances released from the fire.
On 9/22/09, OSC K. Rhame activated initiated a response action under the National Contingency Plan 40 CFR 300.415 to mitigate the threat to public health and the environment posed by hazardous substances being released from a tire fire. These threats and supporting documentation are included in the Action Memorandum.
EPA activated its ERRS contractor, ER, supported by its subcontractor Sharmrock Environmental, for mitigation activities. These activities included using trackhoe equipment to create fire breaks in the affected areas. Operations continued throughout the night on a 24-hour basis to extinguish the fire and control the release of hazardous substances.
Fire Suppression Activities
The fire was attacked in three sections: the west end, which was believed to be the cause of the fire, the center section, which was heavily destroyed the night of the fire and had limited remaining sources of fuel, and the east end of the building, which remained heavily engulfed in flames and hazardous gasses.
During the night of 9/22/-9/23, ERRS crews successfully completed fire breaks (open areas which control the spread of fire) in the middle and western sections of the facility. During the daytime operations, ERRS attacked the east and remaining west ends of the building.
EPA was requested by the Fire Marshal's Office not to disturb the northwest corner of the building so that the Fire Marshals could perform their investigations in this section. Initial reports to law enforcement indicated possible trespass in this area.
SBI completed their investigation during the afternoon of 9/23. After the investigation, ERRS continued efforts to separate burning debris which was then mitigated by the responding Fire Departments.
Fire suppression of the orignial structure and its contents was completed at approximately 9:00 pm on September 23rd.
Fire suppression operations continue throughout the night to address "hot spots" in areas where debris piles are still burning. ERRS is using water collecting in the holding pond to extinguish these hot spots. In some cases, a significant flareup occurs. Fire response units remain on scene to assist as needed. One large flareup occurred at approximately 1 am.
Investigation
SBI is performing an investigation on the nature and cause of the fire. Arson is being strongly suspected as a cause.
Environmental Assessment
Water
The USCG was on scene to perform an assessment of the imparcted waterway. The runoff from the fire extended approximately five miles downstream. An underflow dam was constructed on Site and runoff water was pumped off into holding tanks on Site. Approximately 80,000 gallons of runoff has been contained for treatment and disposal.
NC Department of Environment and National Resoucecs (DENR) collected water samples in the affected areas. EPA received a report of an alleged fish kill, but the caller was unable to identify the location and had not witnessed the dead fish.
AIr Quality
NC DENR set up a particulate monitor at the Chadbourn Middle School to collect information about particulates migrating offsite.
Legal
An Action Memorandum documenting EPA activities has been prepared for the Site.
OSC Rhame provided an access agreement to the property owner, which he signed. The property owner granted EPA access to continue mitigation activities.
The OSC also provided the property owner Legal Notice of Potential Liability. The owner expressed concern about his ability to pay for the cleanup operations.
Recycling
Water from the onsite ditch area which leads to a aurface water tributary is being vacuumed and reused to irrigate the smoldering areas on Site.
ERRS will install filter fence to filter the runoff from the Site.
EPA to pursue disposal options for collected runoff water.
NC DENR Waste Division has agreed to provide a waste compliance officer to assist the owner and Town with options for proper disposal. ERRS is striving to separate debris into metal, concrete block, and tires as much as practicable.
Part of the crew will be demobilized on 9/24/09.
Unified Command was established with the Chief of Chadbourn Fire Department as the Incident Commander. The Chadbourn Fire Department was supported by mutual aid agreements with surrounding fire and EMS response units, who operated in the Operations Section of the ICS structure. NC EM served as the State On Scene Coordinator. Columbus County Emergency Management Agency oversaw most of the logistics and finance support.
Chadbourne Town Manager Mr. Cox is serving as the PIO for the incident.
Red Cross supported the incident by visiting residents as needed, responding to calls, and making available a shelter for residents who selected alternate temporary arrangements.
24-hour operations will discontinue on 9/24/09.
|
