The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local officials are investigating a fire and explosion that occurred on Aug. 7 at a Sherwin-Williams Co. paint plant in Garland, Texas.
The Garland Fire Department has reported one minor injury to a plant employee. The city also said a foam retardant from the facility’s fire suppression system entered the sewers and surrounding creeks.
The fire department responded around 1:20 a.m. to a large fire at the plant. Fire units evacuated the plant and spent approximately two hours suppressing the blaze.
The fire department said a strong chemical odor was present in the area. Based on the results of initial testing, the department determined an evacuation of the surrounding area wasn’t necessary.
The city is working with the EPA and has partnered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to conduct extensive air quality and stormwater (runoff water) testing, including active monitoring around the Sherwin-Williams plant and nearby neighborhoods, according to a statement on the City of Garland’s Facebook page.
The EPA has also conducted fly-over air monitoring assessments. So far, all test results have shown safe levels for both air and stormwater quality, the city said. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the EPA, the city and Sherwin Williams are working to remediate the issues caused by the retardant runoff, according to the statement.
Air and stormwater quality testing will continue throughout the cleanup efforts.