Federal, state and local officials have converged on the Sherwin-Williams paint factory, the site of a massive fire and explosion early Monday. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas Department of Environmental Quality, Sherwin-Williams, The Texas Department of Emergency Management, the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and the North Texas Municipal Water District are all involved, said Mayor Scott LeMay.
While officials say the air quality does not appear to be affected, the runoff from the fire and the suppressant material has polluted a local stream.
"There have been crews on scene for, I guess three days now," said LeMay. We have taken steps, along with them, to halt the flow of water. And they are removing water from the stream."
The city is using large tanker trucks to literally suck the water out of the stream. So far, more than 600,000 gallons have been removed. The contents of the water will need to be analyzed before authorities can map a course of action for the future of the water. Crews are also concerned about those who live near the stream.
"We will be going door to door of homes bordering the stream," said LeMay.
Investigators have just been allowed on the site to begin a probe into the cause of the fire. It could take several weeks, LeMay said.
In the meantime, the company has assured the city that it intends to remediate and rehab the factory, at the intersection of Forest and Shiloh roads. Employees who work at the plant will, for now, continue to collect a salary and benefits.
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