The Unified Command Team is issuing daily updates to keep the public informed of the latest response activities following the Cantonment Digester Incident that occurred Sunday, Jan. 22. The Unified Command Team is comprised of International Paper, Escambia County EMA/Public Safety, Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Unified Command Team’s top priority is the safety of our friends and neighbors, and our environment.
Business Update:
- Although the mill remains closed while structural damage is assessed, employees continue to be paid.
Remediation
- Remediation teams, comprised of more than 160 individuals, are dispersed throughout the surrounding area and remediation efforts are in full operation.
- Remediation efforts in the surrounding neighborhoods are currently moving at a faster rate than initially anticipated.
- Steady progress is being made to restore the neighborhood, with the focus on residents, businesses and roadways. Full-scale remediation efforts have begun on 10 houses. More than three miles of roadways have been cleaned.
Community
- On Saturday from 2-4 p.m., International Paper will host a Community Open House for residents and businesses in the affected area. The open house will take place on the Cantonment Mill lawn (large white tent), located at 375 Muscogee Road.
- On behalf of the Unified Command Team, International Paper representatives went door to door for the fifth consecutive day to visit with residents and answer their specific questions and concerns.
- Residents who believe their property may have been affected by the material released as a result of the incident and would like further information should call the Joint Information Center available 24/7 at 1-850-968-4208.
- Since Monday, the Joint Information Center has processed more than 230 calls from area residents.
Health
- Short-term skin irritation is the most common side effect of exposure. Exposed areas should be washed using soap and warm water. Citizens with health concerns should contact their Primary Care Physician.
Environment
- Environmental monitoring and sampling continues and will remain in place until cleanup is complete.
- Sampling results at the site continue to track consistently with those first measured and data taken in areas outside the affected area have yet to show any adverse effects.
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection inspected the local drinking water system and found zero impact related to the incident.
- We have also confirmed there are no private drinking water wells within the community.
- According to Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health Senior Toxicologist, Dr. Paul Nony, the material released as a result of the incident has no way to get into the drinking water system.
