CNBNews

Gloucester City Fire Chief Brian Hagan released the following information today about a chemical fire that occurred yesterday, June 26, at Amspec Chemical. Information about the fire came from a resident who was riding by and  saw the fire engines. She submitted a news tip with a photo. If you see something happening send your report to [email protected] and we will investigate it. Also if you have a camera phone take a photo. Thank you.

Chief Hagan's report reads as follows:

SITUATION:  Reported Fire at Amspec Chemical, 751 Water St., Gloucester City, NJ.  Initial reports from location indicate a clean up contractor is operating at the scene removing sodium from a vessel in a containment area.  While still limited to the containment area the sodium is reacting with the moisture in the air causing it to sporadically ignite.  There are no reported injuries and the incident is limited to a 20' x 15' containment room within the facility.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing clean up taking place at Amspec Chemical.  Currently residual Sodium left in pipelines and vessels is being removed by the TIER Corporation who are specialist in the Sodium removal field and provide the same service to DuPont's, etc.  Due to atmospheric conditions the Sodium started to react at a faster rate than the contractor could immediately address.  This resulted in sporadic ignition of the Sodium.  As a precaution the FD was notified in case the situation was to esculate. 

ASSESSMENT:  The situation was limited to a 20' x 15' atmospherically controlled containment room.  Two 300 lbs. vessels with residual Sodium were undergoing decontamination and decommissioning by the contractor.  No visible plume and/or off site releases observed.  Perimeter and interior air monitoring were within normal limits.  The incident was limited to the containment room.  No off-site threat existed with this response.  The O2 level in the room was being lowered by the igniting Sodium and the contractor did not have SCBA or SAR on site.  He was awaiting the arrival of this equipment and could not have his crews re-enter the containment area without it.  The containment area was a positive contribution to the operations as the humidity is controlled and it limits the potential for spread to the rest of the facility and/or off site release.  Due to regulations only hazmat technicians could enter the room to assist with operations. To reiterate initial information and continued monitoring verify the incident was limited to the containment area and presented no off site threat.

RESPONSE:  A fire department and hazmat response was dispatched as per established protocol.  The perimeter was controlled as per established protocol.  Air monitoring was conducted both to the interior, perimeter and downwind as per established protocol.  County Environmental Health, NJDEP, etc., were notified per established protocol.  A review of current activities and a revision to the existing Incident Action Plan were conducted with all present.  Sufficient supplies were staged at location and Hazmat Techs made a Recon and one additional entry to remedy the situation.  Soda Ash and Purple K were applied to the exposed product and once covered all spontaneous ignitions ceased.  City officials were briefed.  The clean up, health and safety, incident action, decontamination and medical plans specific to this event were updated. A Fire Watch was ordered to be maintained 24/7 until all Sodium is removed.  The contractor states it should take approximately 2-3 days to complete the remaining Sodium removal 

To read this week's Fire Report Click

THE TIPSTER WROTE-I took this picture because this was as close as I could get. They stop traffic at the old power house. I always thought if we had a problem down there as a courtesy they would secure the perimeter and tell the neighboring people there was a problem. Not this time. As I went around the corner to leave I see a mail carrier on break not more then 50 feet from the cop car on the next street. I stop and tell the carrier to move since he had no idea what was going on. Lucky I came around the corner. I thought these guys were trained in hazemat. #1 secure the area and keep people away. If they had to evacuate the area these people would have had only minutes  from the knock on the door to get their stuff (maybe) and leave. I think they need to review their people skills when it comes to a dangerous situation. Thought you would like to know.