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.
Community
- The Unified Command Team held a community town hall at J.M. Tate High School Thursday night. Approximately 200 people from the area attended the meeting. Members from the Unified Command Team fielded 59 questions regarding the Cantonment Digester Incident.
- “We are committed to closing those gaps (identified at the meeting) and making sure that everybody’s issues are heard,” said Mill Manager Brett DeJong. “We are not going anywhere. We are going to be here. We are making good progress. Just stick with us a little bit longer.”
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection now has a website where plans, sampling results, and other information related to the incident is available. You can access that site at: https://depnewsroom.wordpress.com/international-paper-cantonment-digester-incident/
Cleanup progress continues
- School bus service inside the affected neighborhoods resumed this morning, Feb. 3.
- Cleanup work is progressing well, with cleanup crews completing the majority of cleaning required for approximately 10 homes per day.
- The Unified Command has directed that soil samples be taken at each residence at the conclusion of cleanup operations.
- Unified Command representatives are collecting daily air, water and soil samples from various locations in the impacted area and presenting the data to the environmental unit, which is comprised of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Escambia County, the Florida Department of Health and International Paper.
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection inspected the local drinking water system and found no impact related to the incident. In an abundance of caution, drinking water samples were taken from both ECUA and Gonzalez systems and test results confirmed the material is not in the drinking water.
- A long-term environmental monitoring plan will be implemented after daily monitoring and cleanup efforts have been completed.
- 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.
