ITC Tank Farm Fire Emergency Response
In response to a dangerous fire EPA ordered CSS’ senior field operations specialists to a facility near Houston where massive tanks stored highly flammable liquids to help manage emergency response activities.
Coordinating Emergency Response Operations Following a Massive Industrial Fire
Technical Guidance and Oversight Support at the ITC Tank Farm Fire Response
In March 2019, a dangerous fire broke out and began to spread at a facility near Houston where massive tanks stored highly-flammable liquids. As firefighters fought to bring the blaze under control, EPA ordered CSS’ senior field operations specialists to the scene to help manage emergency response activities. We mobilized on site within 13 hours and began supporting the Unified Command. Our field experts deployed and supervised EPA’s response staff and equipment during the 11-hour overnight shift. We served as a technical liaison between the operator of the tank farm and the lead EPA On-Scene Coordinator and state representatives, communicating up-to-date information on site conditions and firefighting efforts. We also managed a unified three-member air monitoring team that monitored for volatile organic compounds at the scene and for benzene within a 5-mile radius of the ITC Tank Farm location.
“Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed working with the three of you over the past 17 days…You have an amazing amount of knowledge and experience to ensure the safety of Texans… and even more amazing is how much care y’all have shown over this event, even when I know you had to be exhausted from working overnights…” Steve Mason, EPA Region 6
Additional Projects
Analysis for Coastal Operational Resiliency
CSS assisted with planning and executing a demonstration of three decontamination technologies on a USCG vessel contaminated with a benign surrogate for anthrax.
Evaluation of Pesticide Safety
CSS supports the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs in evaluating the safety and potential health and environmental risks resulting from the use of pesticides and ensures that the data utilized for EPA’s regulatory decisions are scientifically sound.
Predictive Modeling/Spatial Planning, NY Bight
CSS designed and implemented this integrated data acquisition, data management, and statistical predictive modeling to select optimal wind farm locations while minimally impacting seabirds.
Service Areas
Space Science Application Support & Operations
We deliver scientific support to advance our clients’ research goals.
Facilities Operations & Maintenance
We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.
Safety, Health, & Environmental Compliance
We provide our clients with tools to protect their workforce, the public, and the environment.
Satellite Science & Environmental Intelligence
Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data
Emergency Preparedness & Response
We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.
Human Health Risk Assessment
We help advance the understanding of chemical effects on people and the environment.
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