Bella Vista: Timeline of Events
- June 10, 2019
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates May 30-June 3 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190610-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf - June 7 - 10, 2019
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Site materials were moved and processed from north to south
- Excavation on the northeastern perimeter of the site
- Site soil was compacted in lifts in the south-central portion of the site
- Smoke was apparent on June 10th in two small areas of the eastern drainage channel, which were in the process of being excavated
- Smoke was dissipated within a few feet of the emission point
- The same area where digital thermal readings on the surface on June 6th showed a small warm area in the eastern drainage channel that was overlain by what appears to be soil placed previously by others
- Temperatures at depth in this channel were reported to be 20 to 25 degrees above background temperatures for the Site at that time
- No elevated temperatures were reported on June 10th
- Air curtain technology was operating in accordance with manufacturers specifications and operates continuously
- Some water discharge occurred from the site primarily associated with storm water discharge
- The aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Water samples were collected daily from the discharge point of the weir
- The modified air monitoring plan was implemented before, during, and after the daily work consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- A few instances of elevated particulate were detected on June 8th and June 9th associated with emissions from the air curtain technology
- June 5, 2019
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates May 23-May 29 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190605-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf - May 31-June 2, 2019
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- The Air Curtain Technology was reconstructed on June 1st as an approximate 30 ft x 12 ft x 15 ft deep configuration with some slope setbacks for stability. Initial operations on Saturday and Sunday were shown to have low emissions, consistent with the initial operations of May 26th
- Some water discharge is occurring from the site primarily associated with stormwater discharge
- The aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Water samples are collected daily from the discharge point of the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the daily work consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan. The air quality measurements from May 30th to June 2 show no elevated concentrations of particulate above the action levels
- May 31, 2019
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates May 16-May 22 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190531-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf - May 29, 2019
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 28-May 29 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190529-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf - May 28, 2019
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 27-May 28 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190528-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf - May 28, 2019
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Hot spots are being identified and addresses in the other areas, guided by thermal measurements
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall and fire-fighting water
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Water samples are collected daily from the discharge point of the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 27th, show a few locations with elevated concentrations of particulate above the action levels
- May 27, 2019
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 26-May 27 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190527-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf - May 27, 2019
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Hot spots are being identified and addresses in the other areas, guided by thermal measurements
- An exploratory trench was dug near the southern boundary of the Site to identify background temperature readings
- The excavated materials had no evidence of burning or ash, and no smoke was observed
- Air Curtain Technology will be used 24/7 to address the accumulation of large tree trunks and stumps
- The Air Curtain Technology was re-loaded with material this morning, which caused a reduction in temperature and an increase in smoke emissions for a limited amount of time until temperatures increased to operating temperatures
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall and fire-fighting water
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Water samples are collected daily from the discharge point of the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 26th, show no exceedances of action levels
- May 26, 2019
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 25-May 26 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190526-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf - May 26, 2019
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Air Curtain Technology will be used 24/7 to address the accumulation of large tree trunks and stumps
- The initial pilot test of the Air Curtain Technology was a success with no significant smoke emissions and good production located in the southeastern corner of the Site
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall and fire-fighting water
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Water samples are collected daily from the discharge point of the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 25th, show no exceedances of action levels
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 24-May 25 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190525-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- An initial pilot test of the Air Curtain Technology was conducted and large tree trunks and similar-sized vegetative debris have been stockpiled in the southeastern corner of the Site
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall and fire-fighting water
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Water samples are collected daily from the discharge point of the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 24th, show no exceedances of action levels
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 23-May 24 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190524-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall and fire-fighting water
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Water samples are collected daily from the discharge point of the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 23rd, show no exceedances of action levels
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 22-May 23 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190523-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall and fire-fighting water
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 22nd, show no exceedances of action levels
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 21-May 22 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190522-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall
- Non-contact storm water is being pumped from the eastern drainage channel to below the weir, by passing the landfill
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 21st, show no exceedances of action levels
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Water discharge occurred from the site as a result of the rainfall
- Water management was performed to address the accumulation from fire-fighting activities as well as the rainfall
- Non-contact storm water is being pumped from the eastern drainage channel to below the weir, by passing the landfill
- Overnight crews continued to manage site security and addressed the potential for flare-ups
- Aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 20th, show no exceedances of action levels
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 20-May 21 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190520-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- The volume of water used for firefighting was increased to address significant quantities of hot ash
- Overnight crews addressed flare-ups
- The aeration system was operated to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 19th, are attached and show some exceedances of action levels in the nighttime hours, after site operations were halted
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 19-May 20 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190519-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- The landfill contents in the work area were very hot and significant quantities of ash material were uncovered—the volume of water used for firefighting was increased to address the hot ash
- Overnight crews addressed flare-ups
- Wood debris is being accumulated in an effort to gather enough to start trench burning at a later date
- An aeration system has been setup to aerate the water prior to discharge through the weir
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
- The air quality measurements from yesterday, May 18th, and show no exceedences of action levels
CTEH's latest daily summary of air monitoring and sampling data for dates May 18-May 19 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190518-bella-vista-daily-air-monitoring-report.pdf
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Excavation activities were performed
- Air monitoring was performed before, during, and after the event consistent with the Air Monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Hazard Communication Plan
Report of on-site work the Bella Vista POA has completed for Phase 1:
- Contractor mobilization to the site
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates April 25-May 8 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190514-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
DEQ has announced that the Bella Vista Property Owners Association (POA) will assume responsibility of the fire extinguishment and removal action of the Trafalgar Road site in Bella Vista today, Friday, May 3, 2019. DEQ will maintain inspection duties and provide oversight during the execution of the POA’s work. More information can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190503-bella-vista-poa-to-assume-responsibility-of-the-trafalgar-site.pdf
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates April 17-April 24 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190502-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates April 11-April 16 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190429-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- No erosion detected upon inspection
- Worked on road from blue line pipe to hammerhead
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Erosion control measures installed
- Fine graded road and hammerhead
- Completed road and weir project
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Continued work on road and hammerhead
- Installed silt fencing and rock check dams
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Continued work on road and hammerhead
- Installed Flexamat on weir dam for erosion control
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Installed remaining 25’ of 60” pipe
- Worked on road from blue line pipe to hammerhead
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Continuing work on road and hammerhead
- Installed weir pipe
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Imported, placed, and compacted 179 loads/hammerhead material
- Placed four loads of bedrock to access weir
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates April 3-April 10 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190416-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Inspected site after rainfall and found no erosion issues
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Graded and prepped for rain
- Recorded 1.1” of rain
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Imported, placed, and compacted 72 loads of road material
- Added 45’ of 60” pipe
- Installed additional erosion control measures
DEQ will hold a community forum in Bella Vista on Thursday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. to present the preliminary response action plan. More information can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/adeq-to-hold-community-forum-to-discuss-trafalgar-site.pdf
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Imported 39 loads of road material, placed, and compacted
- Installed 40 degree bend in 60” pipe
- Constructed driveway entrance to reduce road material from being carried onto highway by dump trucks
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Import 116 loads of road material, placed and compacted
- Begin excavation into blue line stream plug
- Changed 22 degree angle of 60” pipe to 40 degree angle per site supervisor
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Imported and placed 94 loads of road material
- Filter fabric installation
- Installed 115’ 60” pipe
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates March 28–April 2 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190409-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
Report of on-site work completed for the current phase of work:
- Imported and placed 34 loads of road material
- Imported and placed seven loads of bedrock
- Cleared for 60” pipe installation
Contractors are making good progress on the access road. Construction of the access road and additional on-site work for this phase is projected to take three to four weeks.
DEQ is reviewing all public comments submitted on the preliminary response action plan. Thank you to all of the citizens that submitted their comments.
Contractors have started working on the access road. The access road is necessary for the next phase of on-site work. It will provide access for heavy equipment traffic to operational areas and excavation activities.
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates March 21–27 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190403-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates March 14–20 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190401-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
Mobilization of equipment to construct the access road and weir is taking place today.
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates March 11–13 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190322-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
DEQ has received an approved contract to begin construction for an access road and weir necessary for future on-site work.
DEQ has released its preliminary response action plan to address the underground fire on Trafalgar Road: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190321-adeq-announces-trafalgar-site-preliminary-response-action-plan.pdf
A copy of the plan can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190321-trafalgar-site-response-action-plan-preliminary-outline.pdf
ADH's latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates March 7–10 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190314-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
The Division of Building Authority is currently reviewing necessary contract documents to construct an access road and weir. Weather permitting, construction for the access road and weir is estimated to take 3–4 weeks.
At the request of DEQ, EnSafe collected water samples from the Trafalgar site on February 7, 2019. ADH conducted a review of the water samples. A copy of the review can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190312-adh-eval-of-02072019-surface-water-sample.pdf
ADH’s evaluation of EPA sampling data results from February 10–12 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190312-adh-epa-022019-air-data-statement-final-signed.pdf
ADH’s latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates February 27–March 6 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190312-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) will deploy its Mobile Air Monitoring Laboratory (MAML) today to begin collecting 24-hour air samples. The MAML’s primary advantage over previous, stationary, air-monitoring exercises is that it will record meteorological data that will be used to position and relocate the MAML in order to obtain quality readings that follow wind speed and direction. More information can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/arkansas-partners-with-louisiana-to-conduct-additional-air-monitoring.pdf
Arkansas is partnering with Louisiana to conduct additional air monitoring surrounding the Trafalgar site. DEQ Director Keogh: “We are thankful to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Secretary Brown for this immediate response to our ask for support on the Trafalgar Road fire. Residents of Bella Vista have asked for more extensive, 24-hour monitoring at impacted areas in the community. We continue to listen, and this advanced technology answers that call.”
DEQ is proceeding with the next phase of on-site work. Contract documents necessary to construct access roads are currently under review. Upon final approval and execution of the scope of work, road construction and site improvements are expected to begin.
Governor Hutchinson signed SB406, the supplemental appropriations bill for DEQ that will allow the agency to spend available funds to extinguish the underground fire on Trafalgar Road in Bella Vista.
ADH’s latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar road fire for dates February 25–26 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190306-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
DEQ’s supplemental appropriation, SB406, passed through the Arkansas House with 93 votes. It now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
DEQ’s supplemental appropriation, SB406, passed through the Arkansas Senate with a 35-0 vote. It now heads to the House for final consideration.
Amendment to SB406 passed through the Arkansas Senate.
DEQ has received ADH’s evaluation of the 61st CTS’s air monitoring data near the Trafalgar road fire. A copy of the evaluation can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190304-adh-evaluation-of-61st-cst-air-monitoring.pdf
DEQ has received the 61st CST’s air monitoring data from February 26–28. DEQ is in consultation with the 61st CST, and ADH is reviewing the data relative to public health.
ADH’s latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar road fire for dates February 14–24 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190227-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
DEQ just received EPA’s data results from its air monitoring event that took place on February 10–12. None of EPA’s air samples showed elevated concentrations of chemicals of concern in the Bella Vista community. EPA’s data results summary has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190227-epa-air-sampling-data-results-summary.pdf
DEQ’s supplemental appropriation bill for funding to address the Trafalgar site has passed through joint budget committee. It will now go to the senate for a vote.
The 61st Civil Support Team (CST) from the Arkansas National Guard is conducting air monitoring at the Trafalgar site. DEQ Director Keogh: “DEQ is dedicated to exploring resources to report the most accurate air-quality data to the residents of Bella Vista. The 61st CST has state-of-the-art, air-monitoring equipment with real time data collection capabilities. DEQ is grateful to partner with the Arkansas National Guard to deliver this important information regarding air quality for those impacted by the smoke from the underground fire.”
Members of Arkansas’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Acting Administrator Wheeler regarding any potential federal assistance for the Trafalgar Road fire. A copy of the letter can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190226-ltr-to-epa-re-bella-vista-fire.pdf
DEQ plans to file a supplemental appropriation bill to give DEQ authority to contract to address the site. This is a necessary step toward financing the work that needs to be done.
DEQ met with Governor Hutchinson to discuss the next course of action for the Trafalgar site. DEQ Director Keogh: “As we evaluate a path forward, AEQ continues to keep the concerns of Bella Vista’s residents in mind. AEQ has spoken with many residents impacted by the smoke from the underground fire. We understand the concerns; we are listening; and we are working with experts to create the most comprehensive solution for this community.”
DEQ has received EPA’s particulate matter analysis from the data collected at the off-site air monitors. A copy of the evaluation can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190214-epa-results-of-off-site-pm-sampling.pdf
At the request of DEQ, the City of Bella Vista is on-site this week to reroute an existing stormwater culvert. EnSafe’s initial report identified the culvert as discharging directly into the site. Relocating the culvert will cut off a source of oxygen to the underground fire and prevent contamination of stormwater runoff. The new culvert will route runoff east, away from the Trafalgar site.
EPA air monitors were deployed on February 7, but equipment could not record air-quality data due to freezing temperatures. Air monitoring resumed today and will continue until February 12.
U.S. Senator Cotton toured the Trafalgar site with DEQ. Senator Cotton: “The stump dump fire in Bella Vista has burned for months. The federal government must work with the state of Arkansas to end this environmental catastrophe. I'll make sure Andrew Wheeler the acting EPA Administrator knows the full extent of the problem Arkansans are facing here.”
EPA is deploying additional air monitors to collect data from locations both upwind and downwind of the Trafalgar site.
ADH’s latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates January 31–February 3 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190207-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
At the request of DEQ, EPA is mobilizing today to begin three days of community and site-based air monitoring. It is a focused monitoring event to deploy an array of air monitoring technology with an emphasis on an evaluation of off-site impacts. The air monitoring will be on February 7. This EPA monitoring event will be in addition to the previous EPA monitoring activity and DEQ’s current community air monitoring.
ADH has conducted a preliminary review of surface water data from the Trafalgar site. A copy of the review can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190206-adh-preliminary-surface-water-data-review.pdf
ADH’s latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates January 28–30 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190205-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
ADH’s latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates January 22–27 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190130-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
AFC is on-site cutting in a fire break around the perimeter of the Trafalgar site.
Construction for the trench and fire break was completed this past weekend. The fire break created from the trench prevented the fire from spreading south to adjacent properties. By stopping the fire from spreading, an estimated 25,000–50,000 cubic yards of debris will not have to be quenched, excavated, or disposed, saving the State an estimated 3.5–7.5 million dollars.
Environmental Works Incorporated is on-site to begin digging an exploratory trench along the south perimeter. The trench will be used to assess the presence of waste, if that material is burning, and depth to native material.
ADH’s latest review of particulate matter air monitoring near the Trafalgar Road fire for dates January 18–21 has been posted: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190124-adh-pm-evaluation.pdf
At the request of DEQ, EnSafe has collected water samples at the north perimeter of the Trafalgar site. ADH will evaluate the surface water samples.
DEQ has received EnSafe’s draft Response Action Plan for the Trafalgar site. EnSafe’s draft plan was the result of on-site inspections, analysis of available data of the site, and consultation with fire suppression experts. A copy of EnSafe’s draft plan can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190117-ensafe-draft-response-action-plan.pdf
DEQ has initiated continuous air monitoring in the Bella Vista community. Air monitors will be set up at the Bella Vista Fire Station and Cooper Elementary. Monitors will record particulate matter levels on a 24-hour cycle.
DEQ has launched the Bella Vista Community Information page on its website: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/. The webpage is a resource with up-to-date information regarding the fire on Trafalgar Road. Resources and information can be found on the webpage as well as updates regarding on-site work being done.
EnSafe has completed the installation of a water line to the Trafalgar site. This is a first step to establish a water source for smoke and fire suppression.
Governor Hutchinson has issued an Emergency Declaration for the Trafalgar Road fire. A copy of the Declaration can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20190102-emergency-declaration.pdf
Governor Hutchinson toured the Trafalgar site with DEQ staff and EnSafe. Governor Hutchinson: “The Bella Vista subterranean fire is a reminder of the public harm a dump site can cause when unauthorized and improperly managed. Neighbors shared their stories with me today and I’m committed to getting this fixed.”
DEQ has issued an Emergency Order (EO) to BTS Equipment, LLC, based upon DEQ field investigations and air sampling results presented by EPA, showing that there is a presence of burning hazardous substances and the threat of release of hazardous substances which present potential harm to public health, safety, or to the environment. A copy of the EO can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20181221-emergency-order.pdf
DEQ has met with Governor Hutchinson to discuss the current status of the Trafalgar site. Governor Hutchinson has directed DEQ to contract with an engineering firm to prepare a plan for addressing the underground fire.
ADH has released a health alert regarding the underground fire on Trafalgar Road. A copy of the alert can be found here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/news/detail/health-alert-regarding-the-trafalgar-road-fire
DEQ has received EPA’s evaluation of air sampling results for November 10, 2018. A copy of the evaluation can be found here: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/bella-vista/pdfs/20181207-epa-evaluation-of-air-sampling-results.pdf
At the request of DEQ, EPA has collected 24-hour air samples for SVOCs and VOCs at five locations, which included an on-site sample location and an upwind background location near Longleat Lane.
DEQ has sent a letter to Blue Mountain Storage, LLC, citing violations of APC&EC Regulation No. 22.
DEQ has sent a letter to BTS Equipment, LLC, citing violations of APC&EC Regulation No. 22.
DEQ has sent a warning letter to Blue Mountain Storage, LLC, to discontinue operations at this site and take steps to prevent public access to the site due to safety concerns.
DEQ has sent a warning letter to BTS Equipment, LLC, to discontinue operations at this site and take steps to prevent public access to the site due to safety concerns.
DEQ has conducted a follow up inspection of the Trafalgar site.
DEQ has conducted a follow up inspection of the Trafalgar site.
DEQ has been notified of an uncontrolled fire at an unpermitted dump site on Trafalgar Road in Bella Vista, Arkansas. DEQ air inspectors have conducted an investigation of the site.