EPA Cleaning Hazmat from Mich. Fire, Explosions

Image: EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will start the hazardous waste cleanup resulting from a fire and multiple explosions earlier this year at the former Goo Smoke Shop and Select Distributors Warehouse in Clinton Township, Michigan. EPA anticipates the cleanup will take several months.

In May, EPA conducted an initial cleanup to degas and recycle 3,582 intact compressed gas cylinders, and to remove three 55-gallon drums of lithium-ion batteries.

This phase of the cleanup will address the remaining hazardous materials at the site, including uncovered cans of butane, intact compressed gas cylinders, vaping pens and lithium-ion batteries. The estimated cost of the cleanup is $2.7 million.

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EPA prepared for the cleanup by establishing site controls (including setting up work trailers and additional fencing) and mobilizing construction equipment, technicians and security personnel. EPA will conduct perimeter air and particulate monitoring to ensure protection of public health and the environment during active operations.

On the evening of March 4, a fire and multiple explosions occurred at the warehouse, which was used as a wholesale distributor of vape pens, CBD products, hookahs, lighters and other novelty items.

Initial reports indicated the presence of approximately 100,000 cans of ultra-refined butane, thousands of compressed gas cylinders containing nitrous oxide, as well as thousands of vape pens containing lithium-ion batteries. The fire and resulting projectile explosions spread potentially contaminated debris up to several miles in multiple directions.

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In the immediate aftermath of the explosions, EPA conducted air monitoring, stabilized the site, and surveyed within a half-mile radius of the site to identify areas of debris. EPA collected and staged materials on site for proper disposal.On March 6, the State of Michigan and Clinton Township requested assistance from the EPA to handle and manage hazardous materials and potentially contaminated blast debris, including but not limited to compressed gas cylinders of N2O, cans of ultra-refined butane and vape pens containing lithium-ion batteries.