A multi-faceted response operation is still underway a week after fire ripped through a Nutrien Ag Solutions warehouse in South Hill.
On July 6, a vehicle crashed into two propane tanks next to the warehouse, and one ruptured, DEQ reported. The propane ignited and spread to the Nutrien facility at 501 W. Danville St. where chemicals are stored.
Water contamination
The South Hill Fire Department used several hundred thousand gallons of water to fight to the fire, said DEQ. The emergency responders weren’t able to stop the runoff, which included the chemicals.
Nutrient Ag Solutions’ response contractor didn’t begin began collecting water running off the site until after the fire was extinguished, DEQ noted.
But it was too late. The firefighters’ water mixed with chemicals from the facility entered the stormwater system that discharges to both Mountain Creek, which flows towards the Meherrin River, and to Dockery Creek, which flows towards the Roanoke River, said DEQ.
The department said streams have been contaminated. During its preliminary assessments of Mountain Creek and Dockery Creek dead fish were found.
VDH has issued fishing advisories for Mountain and Dockery creeks. DEQ said water sampling began on July 7 and is continuing.
Questions on the air
Authorities don’t know what was in the smoke because it’s unclear exactly what was in the warehouse.
DEQ said the company stores a variety of agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. But the inventory depends on the growing season. So, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, a state Hazmat Team, and the EPA have been on scene with Nutrien Ag Solutions since last Saturday trying to determine what chemicals were inside the building.
Air monitoring began on July 6. As of July 9, “monitoring has not identified air pollution at or above action levels; action levels are established to be protective of human health,” says DEQ.
But the monitoring is ongoing and DEQ said its unknown how long the air and water will need to be assessed.
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