2003 NATIONAL RESPONSE TEAM INCIDENT SUMMARIES

These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.

Dye Factory Chemical Spill

Occurrence Date:

 26 June

Location:

 Woonsocket, RI
NRC Report Number:   649185

Source:

 Dye Factory

Material:

 Various Chemicals and Oil

Severity:

 Medium

Quantity Discharged:

 Unknown

Quantity in Water:

 Unknown

Body of Water Affected:

 Blackstone River

Federal On-Scene Coordinator:

 EPA Region I
Description:

On June 26, 2003 at 6:00 PM, a fire was started by an overhead electrical wire at ACS Industries in Woonsocket, RI. The fire had reached 8-alarm status by 9:42 PM on June 26, 2003. An unknown (presumed large) amount of chemicals have spilled into the Blackstone River as a result of the fire. It is estimated that 27,000 gallons of fuel oil, at an on-site tank farm, is being consumed by the fire. The fire has spread to adjacent facilities and local residences have been evacuated. According to a news report (source: AP http://www.ctnow.com), all employees were evacuated without injuries. The same news report stated that the fire is also being fed by 25,000 to 50,000 pounds of cotton. The news report stated that an estimated 50 to 60 employees and two dozen families were evacuated. The fire was extinguished by the local fire dept. CASE CLOSED

The National Response Team Members are:

Environmental Protection Agency (Chair) - United States Coast Guard (Vice-Chair)
Department of Agriculture - Department of Energy - Department of State
Department of Health and Human Services - Department of Commerce (NOAA)
Department of Justice - Department of Labor - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Department of Transportation - Department of Interior - Department of Defense
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - General Services Administration - Department of Treasury
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