This daily update from the Unified Command Team keeps 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, neighbors and response personnel while ensuring the environment is fully protected.
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IP opens its doors to residents and businesses to answer questions and share cleanup progress news
- International Paper hosted a Community Open House for residents and businesses in the affected area.
- More than 225 people attended the event.
- Local residents and business owners interacted with representatives of the mill, along with officials from the EPA, Florida DEP and Escambia County EMA/Public Safety.
- More than 225 local residents and business owners exchanged information with experts from federal, state and local environmental and health agencies.
Media bus tour provided first-hand view to cleanup efforts in impacted neighborhoods.
- Environmental and operational experts explained the procedures for remediation being used in the affected area.
- For the sixth consecutive day, Unified Command representatives engaged with residents regarding this incident and the short-term disruption caused by remediation efforts.
Full scale cleanup continues on Saturday and Sunday.
- Approximately 100 homes and businesses have experienced varying degrees of impact.
- Cleanup is underway at nearly 20 percent of properties, which represents steady progress to restore the surrounding area.
- Cleanup efforts are in full operation. Remediation teams, comprised of nearly 200 individuals are dispersed throughout the impacted area.
- Spot cleaning of roadways continues in residential areas. A complete cleaning of Highway 95A is underway.
Environment
- The Unified Command is collecting daily water quality samples from 13 locations in the impacted area.
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection inspected the local drinking water system and found zero impact related to the incident.
- The Unified Command has confirmed there are no licensed private drinking water wells within the community.
- Environmental monitoring and sampling continues and will remain in place until cleanup is complete.
- 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.
- Short-term skin irritation can be treated by washing the exposed area with soap and warm water. Citizens with health concerns should contact their Primary Care Physician.
