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i 2 1 —1 99 8 2: 110 ; F='I-:m TRAC`r RURAL F i RE GST 2EYD 8.ES 63326 C' r . n e � y J I Community Newsleiter =ublis led by the City of Tracy THE TRACY TiRE FIRE - A RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTIONS 4�, F;,u CZzq Tau. E,V4 The the fire occur.ad on August 7. 1998 at approximately 4 27 p.m.as it result of a grass 9. What happens to the property once fire that spread out of control at the Royster the facility. Although this fac:lity is located in it is cleaned up?-It vnll be monitored by the Rural Fire District,the Cay of T racy Fire Cepartment,Alameda County,the San Joaquin US ERA and California County Sheriff's Office.Air Pollution Contrgl, the Office of Emergency Services,and En- vironmental Health responded with equipment anc personnel. 10. Who would I contact for further in- formation? The fire was contained to the area and on the advice and direction of US EPA was allowed to burn because of'he ccnccrn of greater health issues which could'arise out of James F.Spagnele an atterr i4-taextirtgnisn he iiia=F f recorstinaes to srrloic'er-at;his%vrttnt�=r%Te fire-sod— giiiorni3 Enver its effects are still of concern to City staff and members of the community. I will try to Protection Agency respond to some of the concerns and issues. Following are responses to the most ire- 555 Capitol Mail, Suite 525 quently asked questions: Sacramento.CA 93814 1. Why Couldn't you put the fire out? On the adviceof age (916)324-9670 ncies on scene(C.E.S.,Air Pollution Control,Environmental Health)health and contamination hazards were consid- Dr.Karen Furst ered. Experts in the field agreed that letting the fire burn would move particulate matter San Joaquin County Public Health high into the atmosphere because of the heat. Putting water on the fire would create hvo 468-6000 problems; particulates would be suspended at lower elevations because of cooling at ground level and contamination of area water stores could occur when large volumes of water percolated into the underground water supply. The groundwater continues to be monitored on a regular basis;o detect contamination. 2. Who is in control and managing the situation?-US EPA with California EPA mcni- tor/support.San Joaquir, County is responsible for site security. 3. How often does monitoring take place and by whom? - Currently San Joaquin GENERAL INFORMATION County conducts weekly air monitoring.Previously California EPA, Air Resources Board. PROVIDED BY DR. FURST Waste Management arc Water Resources conducted soil,groundwater and surface water rr Monitoring.All data continues to show no icveis above!olerable limits. US I=PA will do a - The particles of soot from the tire preliminary site assessment. US EPA is developing a site remediation plan and will j, r&jie%v air,surface water,groundwater and soil tests. Ire smoke may cause irritation of the mucous membranes which line the 4.-What about health issues?-The fire is Still emitting.smoke and odcrs. Smoke and nose,throat and eyes, causing_symp- soot from the tire may cause some irritation of the respiratory system and mucous mem. toms such as sore.scratchy throat or branes.The Air Pollution Control and Air Resources Boards advise sensitive individuals watery eyes. It may also cause an :o stay indoors as much as possible and keep doors and windows c!csed,or!eave the aggravation of other respiratory ail- area. Long-term health issues ars not known at this time,although given the dispersal ments such as asthma. rate at the time of the fire, none are expected. Contact San Joaquin County health officials it you have spcc:fic questions. - When the smoke is visible or there 5. How much longer will it burn?-US—EPA officals cannot give an exact date. Is an odor, people are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and keep 6. When will it be cleaned up and how tong will it take?-That Is unknown until US EPA their doors and windows closed, or completes a site evaluation and develops a remediation plan. leave the area. This is especially true at night when, temperature inversions 7. What affect will rain have on the groundwater?-No immediate impact is expected are most likely to occur. given the undedyinq clay sod and aeoloaic conditlOns. The tong-term effect i,,:rot known. but little or no impact is expected. - It soot is collecting, it should be 8. Who is responsible for damages? If I have a complaint for damage,illness or washed off of yard furniture,children's injury,with whom and where would I tile? - US EPA will determine the responsible toys, etc., so young children will not parties after'he:emediancn plan is completcd. my^sst the ;articles.