Flooding Caused by excessive rain.

During the weekend of May 1-2, 2010 Central Tennessee area received approximately 20 inches of rain causing the Cumberland River to crest at 52 feet, which is 12 feet above flood stage.  TDEC requested EPA assistance to check on the several FRP facilities in the Nashville metro area.  In addition, a FEMA Mission Assignment (MA) was given to EPA to conduct reconnaissance on the impacted areas for any other oil and hazardous material releases caused by the severe flooding.

Currently the EPA is working out of the TEMA Emergency Operation Center located at the Tennessee National Guard Armory located at 3041 Sidco Road, Nashville, TN.

TEMA and TDEC are stating that this flooding is a 500-year flood event.  The extensive flooding has caused waters to infiltrate various businesses, residences and other commercial properties.  In particular, there are several hazardous waste and oil storage facilities located along the Cumberland River.

During the day of May 4, 2010 members of TDEC, ERRB, and START conducted recon on several FRP (oil storage facilities storing greater than 1 million gallons).  Several of the facilities have been knocked off-line due to the high flood waters. At least 4 facilities are too flooded to allow assessment.  Of the others several of them have storage tanks floating in the flood waters and are maintaining watch while the waters recede.  EPA also conducted an overflight of the impacted areas with USCG.

Several other areas are inaccessible due to high flood waters making boat operations unsafe.  As the waters recede EPA will conduct further boat operations. 

Currently EPA is coordinating with TEMA, FEMA, and TDEC to conduct recon and as operations become more safe, further assessment can be conducted.

All response actions to date were described in the Background section of this POLREP.

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