Full Notification

 
For Immediate Release
 
Friday August 16, 2019
Ridgeland, SC 29936
 
Able Contracting Fire:
 
Jasper County Emergency Services (JCES), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) continue to closely monitor the atmospheric conditions at and around the Able Contracting fire located at 472 Schinger Avenue Ridgeland, SC 29936. The agencies continue their close support and coordination with the contractor working to extinguish the fire.
            On Thursday August 15, 2019 the contractor’s air monitoring equipment on site for their work crews, operating in immediate proximity to the area of fire indicated elevated levels of Hydrogen Cyanide.  The contractor in coordination with SCDHEC and USEPA in an abundance of caution for the safety and concerns for immediate area business operators, enacted an evacuation of those business occupancies.
               JCES, SCDHEC, USEPA continuously monitored air quality on site and surrounding areas of the Able Contracting fire overnight. The monitoring indicated levels below the thresholds for public health concerns. As of this morning roadways in the immediate area were reopened and businesses were allowed to resume operations.  Continuous air quality monitoring remains in effect. Should air quality monitors indicate an increase of gases posing a concern for public health; Jasper County Emergency Services in coordination with SCDHEC and USEPA will open the Emergency Operations Center to augment state and federal resources currently operating at the Able Contracting fire. 
SCDHEC and USEPA are increasing rigorous water monitoring regarding potential runoff from firefighting operations. Further updates will be distributed via Nixle as they become available. Aditonally you can find information on the DHEC website at https://www.scdhec.gov/environment/ongoing-projects-updates/able-contracting-fire
 
 
 
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