DNS Environmental is the location of a mulch fire as a result of automatic ignition. Site located near commercial and residential area in Fayetteville, Ga. Plume from fire blanketing several residences and businesses with particulate matter. OSC and START response to assist GAEPD to conduct air monitoring to determine contaminant level in plume.
During 1/22-23/04 period, EPA performed air monitoring in three locations surrounding the mulch fire. Monitors were placed on the property fence line, in the playground of a nearby school, and nearby residential area.
Because of the cold weather, the monitors were able to only run a maximum of 10 hours straight. Alkaline batteries lose power very quickly in cold weather. During this period, the residential and school monitors registered very low levels of particulate matter (< 1 ppm). The wind conditions tend to be low at night and present the greatest chance of smoke reaching these particular areas. The monitor on the fence line indicated a maximum particulate matter concentration of 10 ppm, but the average was less than 2 ppm. According to our air monitoring results, the smoke in the area was more of a nuisance and did not present a health problem.
The responsible party brought in dirt and dumped it on the fire. The fire was pretty much put out by 23JAN04. GAEPD oversaw this activity.
GAEPD is in the process of reviewing the DNS Environmental's operating permits and business practices in accordance to GA Solid Waste rules.
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