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
Audit and Inspection Support for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
For more than 35 years, CSS has provided quality control assessment support to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) on studies relating to the toxicological effects of chemicals in the environment.
Grape Microbiota
CSS was selected to develop an experiment payload to examine the effect of microgravity throughout the various stages of wine fermentation.
Social Values Relative to Wind Energy
CSS assisted in the assessment of social values related to understanding and support of offshore wind energy sitings off North and South Carolina.
Service Areas
Satellite Science & Environmental Intelligence
Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data
Environmental Resource Assessment & Management
We apply science to address challenges affecting the nation’s natural resources.
Safety, Health, & Environmental Compliance
We provide our clients with tools to protect their workforce, the public, and the environment.
Facilities Operations & Maintenance
We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.
Human Health Risk Assessment
We help advance the understanding of chemical effects on people and the environment.
Emergency Preparedness & Response
We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.
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