On August 10, 2007, EPA Region 10's Emergency Response Program received a request from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to investigate a report of chemical odors and distressed vegetation from nearby residences near Sandy, Oregon.
OSC Terada and two START contractors were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival began a site investigation to substantiate the homeowner's reports. One of the homeowners showed OSC Terada and the two START contractors a hole that was dug that was filled with a water like liquid with white foam floating on the surface. The homeowner informed the investigating team that the hole contained a tree that he uprooted and attempt to transfer when the hole filled up with this liquid. The liquid had a mild chemical odor. A bench hazard categorization test was conducted in the field to determine basic chemical characteristics. The investigating team also began testing soil samples around the home and a few neighbors for the presence of organic vapor.
All of the field tests were inconclusive, thus a sample of the white liquid was taken and shipped for laboratory analysis. Upon analysis, a course of action of next steps will be formed. This point, no source of the chemical smell or white liquid could be determined.
The investigating team demobilized from the site that day at 830pm.
