Plating Shop Fires (Pasadena, North Hollywood,
Anaheim, Compton, CA)
Major alarm fires at metal plating / anodizing companies resulted in concentrated and other mixtures of Cyanides, Nickel and Chrome solutions, Acids and Alkalines, and Irridites and Dyes contaminating fire and rain water, fire debris and surrounding soils and storm drains. Due to the possibility of Hydrogen Cyanide gas generation, extreme caution was used during all phases of the post-fire cleanup. Level “A” and level “B” personal protective equipment was utilized during the operations that consisted of removing liquids remaining in the plating process vats and safely storing the removed chemicals in segregated polyethylene tanks, followed by building stabilization and/or demolition related activities.
Toluene Diisocyanate Release (Compton, CA)
A urethane foam manufacturer experienced a leak from an above ground storage tank. The tank contained 2-4/2-6 Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI), an extremely reactive, combustible, toxic and sensitizing material. Following initial entry in Level “A” personal protective equipment, reconnaissance revealed that the product was on the plant grounds, adjacent railroad right of way and impacted approximately 600 feet of 48-inch underground storm drainpipe. Level “B” PPE was required for the entire clean up and 10,000-PSI hydroblasting was needed to remove the unreacted TDI from the storm drain walls and catch basin apron.
Marine Oil Spill (Los Angeles Harbor)
Patriot staff was actively involved with response and clean-up activities for a major fuel oil release. This spill included the fouling of over 2,000 private vessels and closed the inner Los Angeles Harbor to commercial vessel traffic. Working for the primary response contractor, Patriot staff directed operations; logistics and planning activities during the two and one half month duration of the spill clean up. Labor requirements at times exceeded 400 personnel and total remediation costs for the release surpassed 13 Million dollars.
Facility Decontamination/Decommissioning (Pacoima, CA)
A manufacturer of faucets and door hardware decommissioned its operations and was in the process of relocating to a new location. Primary decontamination operations were performed on brass plating lines and barrel plating lines. Chemicals of concern at the site included nickel, chromium, acids, and caustics. The equipment was decontaminated to allow for the safe transport to new location. Additional site operations involved the decontamination of a water treatment system and of ventilation ducting.
Sunken Marine Vessel Response (Ventura, CA)
Response, pollution removal and salvage pollution stand by for a sunken 53-foot fishing vessel. Patriot provided 3,000 gallons storage availability and transportation on scene; diving service, containment booming and skimmer availability for the initial response and stand by booming during salvage operations during this four-week-long incident. Follow-up include waste recovery, transportation and disposal related activities.
Post-Fire Cleanup Operation (Fontana, CA)
Patriot was contracted by a specialized rubber manufacturer to do post fire cleanup at their facility. The work was directed by the local fire department. Site activities consisted of building demolition and concrete decontamination. Additional site operations involved the excavation and disposal of contaminated soil and the procurement and analyses of soil samples.
Waste Packaging and Disposal Project (Norco, CA)
Patriot bid on and was awarded a contract to perform hazardous waste management services at a vacant chicken ranch and surrounding abandoned houses. The abandoned houses had become refuge for homeless individuals. Wastes at the site consisted of veterinary medicines, agricultural fertilizers, rodenticides, pesticides, and maintenance shop wastes. The abandoned housing was and the waste was accumulated and packaged per DOT and EPA guidelines. The buildings were boarded up pending future development at the site.
