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Moody Landfill Fire

 
Site Contact:
U.S. EPA Region 4 | 404-562-8400

(region4press@epa.gov)

Site Location:
1317 Annie Lee Rd
Moody, AL 35004
 response.epa.gov/moodylandfillfire
NRC#: 1356206

Ongoing Work

  • Construction equipment is being used to re-grade the Site and install a cover layer of dirt.
  • There will be truck traffic on Annie Lee Road and Acmar Road as dirt is brought to the Site.
  • Air samples are  taken daily and air monitoring results are being posted daily to this website.
  • EPA has contracted an unmanned aerial vehicle flyover of the Site periodically beginning January 27, 2023.

Assessment Results

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4, has collected and reviewed air sampling data collected in early January 2023 at the Moody Landfill Site in Moody, Alabama. Air samples were collected by the Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) from two locations onsite near burning material and two locations offsite at residential properties near the site. Three 8-hour samples were collected from each of these locations. Additional 15-minute air samples were collected from a fifth location that was located on the site. This sample was collected to evaluate potential differences in airborne contaminants in an area where the smoke appeared to be a different color. All samples were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Some chemicals were identified in air samples collected on or near the site that exceed Removal Management Levels (RML) which are chemical-specific concentrations that help define areas, contaminants, or conditions where a cleanup or mitigation measures known as a removal action may be appropriate. EPA has mobilized additional resources to the site and is currently establishing additional air monitoring and sampling and taking steps to identify and implement measures to eliminate the fire. Information will be provided to the public as it becomes available. Currently, the EPA is focused on determining the best strategy for eliminating the fire, collecting additional samples to confirm and expand upon previous data results, providing information to the public, as it is available, and determining next steps.

Recommended Actions for the Public

We have limited data at this time, but EPA Region 4 is working with the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR) to gather additional data to appropriately evaluate the potential effects of the smoke from the fire. In the meantime, if nearby residents are concerned and wish to reduce potential exposure to landfill fire smoke, the following actions are recommended:

  • If you have respiratory problems such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or emphysema, stay indoors when you see or smell smoke.
  • Reduce your outdoor activities, and do them more slowly, when you see or smell smoke.
  • Close the doors and windows of your house to keep smoke from getting inside.
  • Talk to your health care provider if you have respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or emphysema, and you think your condition may get worse when you breathe smoke.

 

More Information

           View an interactive map with air monitoring locations and details at this link.

    Air monitoring is ongoing, and data will be released each 24 hour period. Click the Documents Tab of this page to view data summarizing air monitoring samples collected using EPA's Viper wireless remote monitoring system. 
   

 Data Summary Report for January 20, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 21, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 22, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 23, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 24, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 25, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 26, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 27, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 28, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 29, 2023

Data Summary Report for January 30, 2023

Data Summary Report for February 1, 2023


Smoke emitting from Section A in the evening Grading and water application on south end of Section A in the evening, before installation of cover material South end of Section A in the evening, before installation of cover material View of site operations from blackjack road Grading on the east side of Section A. Some soil was moved from other sections of the landfill to make this slope. Smoke is emitting in small plumes through the shallow layer of soil. Segragation and grading continues as preparations are made for soil from borrow pit. A gravel pad for the water truck is in the foreground. View of the fire break that was cut by the forest service. The fire break was cut around the perimeter of the site. Photo facing south. Landfill is to the right. View of the fire break that was cut by the forest service. The fire break was cut around the perimeter of the site. Photo facing northeast. Landfill is to the left. Grading on the top of the haul road to the borrow pit Gravel is installed on the haul road to the borrow pit Excavator, long-reach, and grappler parked at the end of day operations. Smoke accumulation near ground surface does not dissipate due to cloud cover, rain, and moisture. Continued construction of haul road to the borrow pit Site sign at intersection advertising webpage for information about the response. 15 site signs were deployed in neighborhoods around the area Grading in Section A. A small plume of smoke is visible in foreground emitting from dirt. Smoke from burning area near eastern edge of Section A. Houses visible in background. Smoke from burning material in Section B Parking area for highway dump and trailer, north of shed Initial grading and silt fencing at haul road for borrow pit Water filling location. Water truck is filled from hydrant with meter fitted to track usage. View of landfill through trees from air monitoring station 05 Air sampling station for VOCs and airborne asbestos at the northeastern portion of the landfill. Fires burning under the landfill caused portions of the landfill to collapse. Fires burning under the landfill caused portions of the roads to collapse. Fires burning under the landfill caused portions of the landfill to collapse. Air sampling and monitoring Station 2 located at the northeastern portion of the landfill. Fires burning under the landfill caused collapses in throughout the landfill. View of the fire escaping the ground fissures at the southwestern portion of the landfill. Air sampling and monitoring Station 4 Air sampling and monitoring Station 3 Smoke escaping from the ground fissures at the southwestern portion of the landfill. Air sampling and monitoring Station 1 located at the southwestern portion of the landfill. Sign listing unacceptable and acceptable materials for disposal at the landfill.


A Map is available for viewing GIS information.