From: Amber Potts <amber_potts**At_Symbol_Here**hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines from Google (13 articles)
Date: November 24, 2012 10:02:37 AM EST

HAZMAT CREWS TACKLE CONTAMINATED RUNOFF FROM CHEMICAL BLAZE
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Hazmat-Crews-Tackle-Contaminated-Runoff-From-Chemical-Blaze-180245531.html
Tags: us_TX, industrial, follow-up, environmental, methanol, runoff

Investigators from all levels of government continue to investigate a massive chemical fire that erupted in Garland on Friday.

Hazardous materials experts have gone back to the area near the Nexeo Solutions Plant. Crews have been cleaning up and trying to contain the mess for days.

On Tuesday, hazmat teams tackled contaminated soil and water runoff in a nearby creek.

"The top priority is try to contain the contaminated runoff," said Jason Chessher, the city's deputy director of health. "In this case, it happens to be Duck Creek, which is a major watershed in Garland that ultimately goes into the Trinity River."

City officials said workers found small amounts of methanol and motor oil but not enough to pose a public threat. Crews have dammed off the creek to contain the runoff.

Have to brag a little here. We responded to the Garland fire at the Nexeo plant. I have to say our fire department did a fantastic job!!! They responded very very quickly and contained the fire, made some really good decisions to let it burn down some before they dumped foam on it. This could have been really bad considering there were huge tanks of other flammables next the fire. Also, my coworkers went out and attempted to contain the runoff. The next day my coworker went out to the creeks and found a creek full of motor oil from the runoff. He let TCEQ know, who then had it pumped. He found this all on his own. Without him all that motor oil (not a little like the article said!!), would have contaminated our creeks and lakes. Very proud of my city!!!!

Amber Potts