2.1.1 Narrative
In the early hours of 1/12/2016, a tire recycling facility (New River Tire & Recycling) in Pilot Mountain, NC became engulfed in flames. Local responders notified the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center (NCEOC) and the National Response Center (NRC) to request EPA assistance. EPA mobilized an On-Scene Coordinator to assist.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
EPA advised against the use of water for fire suppression. Ongoing communication with state (NC Department of Environmental Quality, NC Department of Health and Human Services) local response agencies (County Health Department, School Superintendent, Public Utilities Director) to ensure that the public's concerns are addressed.
1/12/2016- Mobilized START contractors to conduct initial air monitoring for VOCs and collect surface water samples. MultiRAE PID screening from downwind locations within the smoke plume did not indicate elevated VOC levels. Surface water samples collected from the on-site stormwater outfall contained VOCs, SVOCs, and metals at levels above Regional Screening Levels (RSLs) for tapwater. Surface water samples collected downstream did not contain any RSL exceedances.
Mobilized ERRS contractors and staged heavy equipment on site.
1/13/2016- START conducted particulate air monitoring and collected air samples for laboratory analysis of asbestos content. Particulate levels ranged from "good" in off site locations to "hazardous" on site within the plume. The laboratory was only able to analyze one of the three air samples collected due to filter media loading. No asbestos fibers were detected on the sample that was analyzed.
START collected surface water samples downstream of the Site.A surface water sample collected at the Depot Street culvert contained trichloroethene (TCE) and aniline above their respective RSLs. No other downstream surface water samples contained contaminants at levels exceeding their respective RSLs. (No outfall sample was collected due to absence of water in the outfall.)
Mobilized ERRS contractors to use heavy equipment to remove roof and other debris to access burning tires. ERRS will use heavy equipment and "dunk tanks" to submerge and extinguish burning debris to reduce air emissions and run-off.
North Carolina Public Health industrial hygiene inspector collected bulk material samples of fallout along Crestwood for asbestos content. No asbestos content was detected in the bulk material samples.
EPA OSC in communication with Local emergency management regarding issuing reverse 911 calls advising residents to avoid smoke if possible. Traffic signs have been installed along Old Highway 52 warning residents to avoid smoke if possible.
1/14/16-START conducted final round of surface water sampling. A surface water sample collected from the on-site stormwater outfall contained VOCs, SVOCs, and metals at levels exceeding RSLs for tapwater. A surface water sample collected at the Depot Street culvert contained TCE at a concentration exceeding the RSL for tapwater. No samples collected further downstream contained contamination at levels exceeding RSLs for tapwater.
START continued on- and off-site particulate air monitoring and asbestos air sampling. Particulate levels ranged from "good" in many off-site locations to "hazardous" at businesses directly north of the site. Based on particulate levels, the OSC recommended that the businesses not stay open. Two asbestos air samples were collected; only one was able to be analyzed, due to filter media loading. The one sample that was analyzed contained asbestos fibers at 0.001 fibers/cubic centimeter (f/cc), under the recommended exposure limit of 0.1 f/cc.
ERRS is working on removing the roof of the building to allow safe access to burning tires.
Traffic signs remain in place.
1/15/16- START conducting particulate monitoring and final round of asbestos air sampling. Two air samples were collected; both samples contained asbestos below the limit of detection. Particulate levels ranged from "good" to "hazardous" in surrounding areas.
ERRS gained access to burning tires then began extinguishing tires in water-filled "dunk tanks" and stockpiled extinguished tires in a loading dock along the northern side of the building.
Traffic signs remain in place.
1/16/16- START continued particulate monitoring. Particulate levels range from "good" in most areas to "hazardous" in surrounding areas. Hazardous levels detected only sporadically, depending on variably shifting winds.
ERRS continued firefighting ops at rear portion of building around the overhead A/C unit, sorting metal debris, and quenching operations. Extinguished stockpiles are being monitored with an infrared thermometer by the fire department.
Traffic signs remain in place.
1/17/16- START continued to monitor particulate levels in the air. Particulate levels ranged from "good" in most areas to "unhealthy" south of the site. "Unhealthy" levels observed only sporadically, depending on shifting winds.
ERRS continuing to extinguish burning tires. ERRS installed a pump in the building basement to attempt to reuse some of the water spilled during dunk operations for fire suppression and to refill dunk tanks.
Traffic signs remain in place.
1/18/16 to 1/20/16- START continues interior and exterior particulate monitoring in surrounding properties and on site. Particulate levels range from "good" in the interior of a downwind office building (Hayco Construction) to "hazardous" at an on-site downwind location.
ERRS continuing to extinguish burning tires.
Traffic signs remain in place.
1/21/16- Fire extinguished at end of day. All off site. ERRS to return next week to decon equipment.
1/26/16- ERRS and START on site to decon equipment and demobilize.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
Issued CERCLA Letter of Federal Interest (NOFI) to property owner.
Obtained Access Authorization from property owner.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
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