DEP Biweekly Reports Folder 0049, 2000-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Discolored /birty Water Complaints. World Finance Center; Manhattan several In response to a complaint from the NYC Fire Department coneeming low water praseure at are hydrants in the vicinity of the World Financial Center, Department personnel performed a valve survey on August 17, 2000. As a result of operating valves during this survey, some sediment was disturbed causing discoloration of the water and dirty water complaints in the area, The water mains in the affected area were flushed until the condition of the water cleared.

Emergency Response

Duraspec Electroplating Inc. t On Sunday, 8/27/00, at approximately 7:00pm, the Division of Emergency Response and Technical Assessment (DERTA) was notified of a chemical fire at the Duraspec facility 87-83 139th St. in Jamaica, Queens. The facility was severely impacted by the fire releasing toxic, corrosive and poison chemical plating materials. In addition to the open vats of cyanides, caustics and toxic metals released, several 55-gallon drums melted further releasing corrosive substances. Several FDNY responders were injured due to chemical exposure with at least two members sustaining chemical blistering. The roof of the facility partially collapsed into the open plating line. DEP HazMat was immediately requested by the FDNY to respond to the location. Utilizing personal protective equipment, DERTA made several entries Into the facility as soon as the fire was extinguished. DEP performed a technical assessment of the facility utilizing field instrumentation and determined that cyanide and corrosive vapors were present. Commissioner's Orders were issued to the owner of the facility and the corporation. The responsible parties were ordered to immediately retain a hazardous materials contractor end comply with several tasks required to secure and remediate the site. DERTA provided technical and/or regulatory advice to FDNY, NYSDEC, and the Queens DA Office with regard to the status and condition of the facility. The Division is currently performing oversight of remediation to ensure compliance, This is the third order issued to Duraspec in less than two months. DERTA responded to a are impacting the facility in July at which time an order was issued. During this fire it was observed that illegal and unsafe storage of hazardous wastes and product was present in the outside alley way and on the roof of the facility. Specifically, storage of hazardous waste in open vats and a pile of spent polishing compound (hazardous waste) containing toxic metals constituents were observed on the roof. The July 15th Commissioner's Order required the responsible party to remove this hazard from the premises, which was done; otherwise this would have been impacted by the subsequent fire.

Steam Pipe Explosion on LaGuardia Platte Near Washington Square South On Thursday, 8/31/00, at approximately 8:00 am in the morning, personnel from DEP's Division of Emergency Response and Technical Assessment (DERTA/Hazmat) responded to a reported steam pipe explosion (which was ultimately determined to be a hot water line and not a steam pipe). The explosion, which produced a 20 x 15 foot crater. took place on LaGuardia Place near the cross street of Washington Square South, DEP HazMat responders took samples of the debris caused by the explosion. The impacted area included portions of LaGuardia Place as well as the subbasements of the NYU Library which was undergoing repair directly across from the explosion site.

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