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 Florida Department of Environmental Protection is now administering a website with the Unified Command Team’s plans, sampling results and other information related to the incident. You can access that site at: https://depnewsroom.wordpress.com/international-paper-cantonment-digester-incident/
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As previously reported, The Unified Command Team has been made aware businesses are contacting community members potentially impacted by the Cantonment Digester Incident and offering various services including water testing, pressure washing and carpet cleaning for a fee. Please be aware International Paper, through the Unified Command Team, is not currently coordinating with any business other than Cotton and CTEH, who are managing the community cleanup. All community questions and concerns should be coordinated directly through the UC’s Joint Information Center available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-850-968-4208.
Cleanup progress continues
- Cleanup continues to progress well, with 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 area and presenting the data to the Unified Command’s 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.
- 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 can call the Joint Information Center available 24/7 at 1-850-968-4208.
