Emergency Response & Site Closure

Title:           Sudden Release at Hangar

Client:        Private Company

Location:   Bedford, MA

 

·        Emergency response to a sudden chemical release from fire suppression system

·        Management of response actions including assessment of stormwater drain system

·        Preparation and filing RAO for site closure within 60 days, saving regulatory costs

 

 

Upon the completion of a state-of-the-art private hangar at Hanscom Air Field, the fire suppression system engaged due to an electrical short-circuit. The system completely discharged, resulting in nearly 70,000 gallons of water mixed with a trademark foaming agent filling the hangar.  The foam expanded beyond the hangar doors to the environment.

 

Wheatstone’s emergency response personnel reviewed the situation, discussed the site conditions with the client, Massport (the property owner), Hanscom Fire Department, and the contractor and then notified the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) within the required 2-Hour reporting period after the release occurred.  Wheatstone also contacted the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) of the release. 

 

Wheatstone developed the response strategy, oversaw the response actions completed during subsequent days, and continued to assess the release and monitor surface soils and stormwater possibly affected by the release.  Based on the work completed, Wheatstone prepared and filed site closure documentation with the MassDEP within two months of the release, avoiding the need for additional documents and filing fees.