The site consists of scrap metal from a variety of sources interspersed with various types of combustible products.  As such, combustion by-products and runoff from firefighting activities from a variety of unknown, potentially hazardous sources were considered potential threats. A previous fire at the site released vinvl chloride into the atmosphere. Airborne contamination could potentially affect nearby workers and residents. Runoff from the site could potentially impact the Blair Waterway.

Upon arrival at the site, EPA monitored for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) though no results yielded to be higher than exhibited background levels. No evacuation was necessary.

On July 1, 2015 at 1600 hours, EPA and START contractors were notified of a scrap metal fire at the Schnitzer Steel Facility in Tacoma, Washington. The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) requested EPA presence on site to provide air monitoring during the fire-fighting operations. TFD were the first responders, they informed EPA that the fire started at approximately 1530 hours with smoke visible up to 2 miles from site.  Upon arrival on site, EPA and START received a briefing from the TFD Incident Commander (IC) and EPA offered assistance to monitor air at the perimeter of the facility. At the time of EPA’s arrival,  the majority of fire-fighting operations had concluded, and the primary fire threat was abated. TFD continued to monitor for hot spots, while Schnitzer Steel employees used grappling hook excavators to dismantle the steel piles. TFD stated they would leave one ladder truck on site until the threat is determined to be below their threshold with EPA agreeing to provide air monitoring support until airborne threats are determined to be abated.  

The fire was generated within a steel scrap metal pile, approximately 20,800 m³ in size, largely consisting of compressed motor vehicles. The fire burrowed deep within the pile cavity which forced TFD to use one master stream to control the fire at source while a Schnitzer grappling hook excavator was used to disassemble the pile to target and extinguish hot spots. No foam applications were used to contain the fire.

EPA, TFD IC, and the Regional Manager of Schnitzer, Andy Marcelynas, met to discuss both air and water monitoring of the burn area. Mr. Marcelynas indicated that Schnitzer does not conduct air monitoring and EPA confirmed with Mr. Marcelynas that all water is trapped on site and collected in permanent holding tanks.  In accordance with the Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDOE) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, Schnitzer analyzes the water quarterly. Mr. Marcelynas stated that he will report the incident to WSDOE NPDES permit manager and conduct sampling of run-off in compliance with permit.

START conducted air monitoring to assess if any hazardous vapors were releasing into the environment. The outside perimeter, downwind of the fire was surveyed three times, within 30 minute intervals, at both the surface and breathing zones using photo-ionization detector units. All three surveys focused on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and yielded no results above background for atmospheric detection of hazardous vapors. Monitoring was conducted between 1820 and 1935 hours, respectively, without visual smoke plume presence. Based on monitoring results, visual assessment, and discussion with the TFD IC, it did not appear that there were any detectable releases of hazardous vapors into the environment while EPA was on site. EPA did not see that the situation called for any removal action on the part of the federal government.

At 1830 hours, the TFD IC ordered demobilization of most TFD fleet after determining a reduction in fire threat, leaving one ladder truck with a master stream and manpower to finalize their search for potential hot spots. At 1935 hours, TFD ceased water application to the fire area and the Schnitzer grappling hook excavator finalized debris movement. The remaining TFD demobilized from site with the threat determined to be below their threshold with all hotspots extinguished. EPA made the determination that there was not an immediate threat to human health or the environment given that the fire was extinguished and no VOCs were detected while on site. Mr. Marcelynas was informed of EPA demobilization from site. EPA and START departed site at 1945 hours.

1 EPA On-Scene Coordinator

2 START Contractors

Tacoma Fire Department

Schnitzer Steel personnel

In Order of Appearance:

START- Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team

TFD- Tacoma Fire Department

IC- Incident Commander

WSDOE- Washington State Department of Ecology

NPDES- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

VOC- Volatile Organic Compounds