C h e m i c a l   P l a n t   F i r e / E x p l o s i o n  
E n v i r o n m e n t a l   C o n t a m i n a t i o n  

     A large volume of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) containing toxic chemicals ignited and exploded. Emergency technical response was needed to safely extinguish the fire, analyze environmental risks, and manage the post explosion crisis. ChemTech personnel were contacted 30 minutes after the initial explosion and asked to determine the safest, most practical way to manage the fire situation. Post fire planning was also required.

     Plant process diagrams were studied, and telephone instructions given to plant personnel on which valves could be shut off to extinguish the fire. Emergency worker exposure concerns were addresses due to toxic chemicals and fumes, including dioxins. Experienced engineers were flown to the site to assist with the emergency response. Following the fire suppression efforts, additional technical management efforts involved directing such things as chemical decontamination planning, environmental regulatory efforts, and numerous notification efforts. Fire cause investigations pinpointed the initial cause, and the sequence of events that created the explosion. Engineering design modifications were created and implemented to permit safe production to resume. Deficient supplier designs/equipment were analyzed and opinions prepared for further litigation.