This 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.
Unified Command Update
- Since Monday, Jan. 23, the Unified Command Team has met onsite at International Paper multiple times daily to develop, review and implement action plans in response to the Cantonment Digester Incident. At this point, the Unified Command Team has developed and approved the remediation plans that are currently being implemented by cleanup teams and have finalized the long-term monitoring plan that will continue for the next six months once active cleanup is complete.
- Based on completion and approval of the remediation plans and steady progress cleaning impacted properties, today the Unified Command Team implemented a 15-day incident action plan. During this 15-day incident action plan period, respective Unified Command agency representatives will transition back to their normal duty stations.
- The Unified Command Team will continue their collaborative oversight of remediation efforts and continue to provide guidance and technical expertise through daily communications and data reviews. The next in-person Unified Command Team meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22. As part of this effort, this will be the last Unified Command daily media update for the Cantonment Digester Incident. Future media updates will be issued, as needed.
- The Unified Command Team remains committed to ensuring remediation efforts are completed to local, state and federal requirements.
- The Unified Command’s Joint Information Center (1-850-968-4208) will continue to be available for residents in the affected areas. Due to a progressive decrease in call volume, beginning Wednesday, February 8, live operators will now be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with voicemail available. Voicemail messages will be returned the next business day.
- The Unified Command’s remediation plans and sampling results are located at: https://depnewsroom.wordpress.com/international-paper-cantonment-digester-incident/
Cleanup Continues
- Of the approximately 150 homes identified as potentially being impacted by the Cantonment Digester Incident, approximately 90 percent have been partially or fully remediated.
- All residents in the area impacted by the Cantonment Digester Incident have been contacted or have had access forms left on the front door. A drop box has been left to receive the signed forms and a sign posted at the community entrance with an information phone number and location of the drop box.
- Cantonment Mill Manager, Brett DeJong, added, “International Paper remains committed to completing the remediation effort. We are not going anywhere. We are going to be here.”
