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12-21 —1 998 2: 1041'1 FRCt 1 TRACY RURAL FIRE DST 209 8=i5 6:2"26 P. 2 P4�4 e� P. 1 a A ] A Community Newsletter Published:theCity of Tracy THE TRACY TIRE FIRE - A RESPONSE TO YOUR QUESTIONS 1�1 >r�lu erg T&W&e� The tyre fire occurred on August 7. 1998 at approximately 4:27 p.m.as a result of a grass 9. What happens to the property once fire that spread out of control at the Royster fire facility. Although this facility is located in it is cleaned up?- It will be monitored by the Rural Fire District,the City of Tracy Fire Department,Alameda County,the San Joaquin US EPA and California EPA, Counly Sheriff's Office,Air Pollution Contrgl,the Office of Emergency Services,and En- vironmental Health responded with equipment and 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 the concern of greater health issues which could arise out of James F.Spagnole an attSmpH(rextingnish the fire,7. i�tinnes to • F-aiiterrna Environmental -. 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 respcnscs to the most fre- 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525 quently asked questions: Sacramento,CA 95814 (916)324.9670 1. Why couldn't you put the fire out?-On the advice of agencies on scene(O.E.S.,Air Pollution Control,Environmental Health)health and contamination hazards were consid- Dr,Karen Furst eyed. 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 two 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 to detect contarnination. 2. Who is in control and managing the situation?-US EPA with California EPA mcni- tor/support.San Joaquin 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 RescurCQS Board, PROVIDED BY DR. FURST Waste Management and Water Resources conducted soil,groundwater and surface water monitoring.All data continues to show no ieveis above tolerable limits. US EPA will do a - The particles of soot from the tire preliminary site assessment. US EPA is developing a site remediation plan and will review air, Surface water,groundwater and soil tests. fire Smoke may cause irritation of the mucous membranes which line the 4.-What about health issues?-The fire is still emitting.smgke and odors. Smoke and nose.throat and eyes, causing_symp- soot from the fire 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 to stay indoors as much as possible and keep doors and windows closed, or leave the aggravation of other respiratory ail- area. Long-term health issues are 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 if you have spccific questions. - When the smoke is visible or there 5. How much longer will it burn?-US EPA officials 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 long 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 unrf@rlyinry clay soil and Seologic conditions. The long-term effect in not known, but little or no impact is expected. - If 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 the remediation plan is completed. ingest the particles.