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By
Shawn Daley Editor
The EQ chemical fire gave plenty of Apex residents a scare last month.
Fortunately, the announcement made by state officials on Friday morning
in Raleigh should finally alleviate some of those fears.
Tests conducted in late October by the N.C. Department of Environment
and Natural Resources found no offsite contamination from the fire.
The tests, which were completed both upwind and downwind from the EQ
site, were designed to look for heavy metals and other signs of
contamination.
“What we were looking for was any indication that homes or businesses
might have been contaminated with heavy metals or other chemicals from the
fire that could present a health risk to Apex citizens,” said Robin Smith,
assistant secretary for the environment at DENR.
“We didn’t find that. We found the kind of thing you would find at low
levels in any urban area.”
Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly was pleased with the state’s findings.
“We are relieved no residue was found that could impact the future
safety of our environment,” said Weatherly. “The state has confirmed that
residents have no cause for alarm. The all clear message has been received
with this testing.”
DENR officials noted that if any areas downwind from the site had been
contaminated they would have shown chemicals similar to those found in the
ashes at EQ. Investigators, however, found no such similarities.
The ashes contained primarily barium, cadmium, chromium and lead and
those chemicals were not found in unusual levels anywhere else.
“Results from this sampling survey revealed no significant or
widespread contamination associated from the fire at the EQ facility,”
said state epidemiologist Dr. Jeff Engel.
“While the fire may have caused some short-term respiratory problems,
particularly for first responders, luckily its contamination has been
contained to the facility site.”
About 30 people, including nine first responders, were treated for
respiratory problems in the hours after the Oct. 5 blaze began. No serious
injuries were reported.
Weatherly said the test results didn’t come as a surprise to town
leaders.
“Early testing of the air was done by the (Environmental Protection
Agency) and the state,” said Weatherly. “They found no unusual levels of
contaminants off the EQ site.
“But we are certainly glad to have this reassurance with the
swipe-and-wipe tests. We are gratified that the state conducted these
tests and the results should be reassuring to our citizens and
businesses.”
Soil sample analysis showed the presence of arsenic, mercury, manganese
and silver throughout the area but all were within the “naturally
occurring” range as stated by the EPA.
Three arsenic “hotspots” were found as a result of treated wood decks
and an auto repair shop. The levels were consistent with those found in
areas treated with agricultural pesticides.
One house interior was found to have higher than normal levels of lead.
But the source was most likely lead-based paint commonly found in older
homes.
Weatherly said the EQ site is now cleared of all contaminants. He noted
that EQ officials have still not contacted the town about their future
plans.
The town has already stated that its ordinances would keep EQ from
rebuilding in Apex.
“We have not heard anything from company management,” said Weatherly.
“But I can’t imagine in face of our ordinance that they would want to
pursue (rebuilding).”
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