NRC # 933241 – County Line Recycling Methane - ATT contractors are actively venting two phone line vaults along Lawrenceville Highway near the intersection of Jimmy Carter Blvd. Gwinnet County Hazmat has conducted air monitoring in approximately six man ways along Lawrenceville Highway and has cleared but the two vaults that are being actively vented by ATT's contractor. The lower explosive limit levels in these vaults continue to rise to 100% once venting is removed. These vaults are within close proximity to a suspected abandoned landfill. ATT's contractor will continue to vent the vaults and check for LEL levels through out the night. Gwinnet County PD closed several lanes on Lawrenceville Highway near the intersection of Jimmy Carter Blvd to allow for the venting operation. Gwinnet FD Hazmat, GAEPD, EPA, ATT representatives will meet during the morning of March 8th and determine if the venting needs to continue and plan for future actions. OSC Ben Franco has been deployed 7 MAR 2010 at 2200hrs. Contact OSC Franco at (404) 915-6952 for further information.
DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT
CALLER STATED THAT A LANDFILL IS CREATING METHANE GAS EXCEEDANCES OFFSITE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. THIS HAS CREATED UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS AND EXPLOSIONS IN MANHOLES.
THREE UTILITY VAULTS ARE AT 100% OF THE LEL, AND TWO ARE AT 50% OF THE LEL. MULTIPLE UTILITY VAULTS AND STORM DRAINS ARE BETWEEN 10 AND 20% OF THE LEL. ****CALLER IS REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FROM THE EPA.****
