April 3, 2013

Fire site closed due to possible contamination

By Kate Ruggles
Farmer Staff Writer

Following the fire on March 12, 2013, at Steve’s Spray On Insulation, the North Dakota Department of Health has deemed it necessary to block that site off from public access until a complete and comprehensive clean-up of the site takes place and until such time as the NDDH deems the site safe.
Due to the nature of the chemicals used by Steve’s Spray On Insulation that were in the building at the time of the fire, the NDDH is requiring prompt action to investigate, secure, clean and decontaminate the site.
According to Jerry Samuelson, McKenzie County’s Emergency manager, samples were taken of the runoff of the water used by the firemen to put out the fire.
“The samples showed the presence of cyanide, which is one of the components of the spray foam,” states Chris Roberts of the NDDH. “That is why we are working on getting it cleaned up promptly.”
Samuelson states that the chemicals present in the fire were above the limits set by the North Dakota Department of Health, but not above federal limits, which is why they were not listed as hazardous.
According to Roberts, the NDDH is requesting that the public stay off the site completely and totally until it meets Health Department standards for safety.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER