Residents in Attica should soon experience relief from a putrid odor that has fouled the air.
EPA officials have identified a number of organic materials, including elevated levels of benzene, near Hillcrest Industries as the source of the odor.
“While the numbers we use in determining health risk are conservative, there is no doubt that benzene is bad for people and this data underscores the need to put this fire out as quickly as possible, which is what the EPA is now working to do,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “We have consulted with health experts and we will be suppressing dust and smoke from the site to minimize the amount of pollution leaving the immediate site and we will be doing further air monitoring.”
The situation is not considered dangerous, but several students and staff at a nearby school reported feeling ill on Friday.
The EPA is setting up air monitors to test the air as it begins its work to break up the pile and extinguish the fire. The monitors will test for volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, and semi-volatile organic compounds, as well as particulate matter. This monitoring will begin Friday evening or Saturday morning.
You can learn more about the EPA air date by going on-line.
