On 10/24/2014 the Region 2 REOC received an NRC report of an explosion and release of an unknown quantity of Methyl Ethyl Ketone and Toluene from a facility located at 310 Commerce St., Amerherst NY (near Buffalo) that occurred at 14:44 hours. One employee was reported to have been transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.
Follow up from the REOC revealed that a rep from the Town of Amherst was on the scene. According to the Rep, an explosion had occurred at the facility involving MEK and Toluene. Chemical residue is present on the concrete inside the building, but is contained in floor drains. The sprinkler system was activated and the local FD responded. Water from the fire suppression efforts has also collected inside the floor drains and a sheen is present in the collected water.
Initially the facility contacted a restoration company (ServPro) to remediate the spill but they are not licensed to address chemical spills. At this time it is not known if the facility will be contacting an appropriate cleanup contractor to address any contaminated water inside the building. It is also unknown if the trough system discharges to a POTW or if it is a closed system.
The NYSDEC has dispatched a responder and EPA has dispatched OSC Mark Bellis, out-posted to Buffalo, to respond and assess the situation.
See POLREP for further updates.
