Update from City of Garland – Sherwin-Williams Fire and Cleanup – Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023
Cleanup from the Aug. 7 fire at the Sherwin-Williams Plant is expected to take several weeks, with efforts focusing on surrounding creeks.
During the containment of the fire, foam retardant from the Sherwin-Williams fire suppression system and water runoff entered the storm drains and surrounding creeks. The city of Garland has partnered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Environmental Protection Agency and Sherwin-Williams to remediate any issues caused by water runoff and remove any remaining foam.
Dams have been constructed and water is being pumped out of impacted creeks to mitigate the spread of potential contaminants. The Environmental Protection Agency has created an incident website to house all data related to creek cleanup and air quality testing. A map of the impacted creeks can be viewed on this site: https://sherwin-williams-plant-fire-response-epa.hub.arcg…
Water sampling is ongoing, and test results will be added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s incident website as they become available, which is expected to be within the next day. Information regarding contaminants and what to do, if any are found, will also be shared in a future news release.
The public is advised to not fish or have contact with impacted creeks while contaminant testing and cleanup activities continue. Some dead fish have been observed in these creeks, but no major impacts to public health have been identified at this time.
Sanitation systems and city drinking water are being continuously monitored and have not been affected by the fire or cleanup efforts.
“The city is grateful to have the expertise of TCEQ, the Environmental Protection Agency and so many other partners as we work to ensure the health, safety and security of our residents,” said Garland Mayor Scott LeMay. “Staff is working across the city and around the clock to monitor our water systems, mitigate the spread of and remove
City of Garland update – Sherwin-Williams Fire and Cleanup – Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023
The city of Garland, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Environmental Protection Agency and Sherwin-Williams are continuing cleanup efforts related to the Aug. 7 plant fire.
During the efforts to contain the fire and manage immediate life safety priorities, foam retardant from the Sherwin-Williams fire suppression system entered the sewers and surrounding creeks. A map showing the affected creeks is now available on the EPA‘s incident website.
TCEQ, the EPA, the City and Sherwin-Williams are working to remediate any issues caused by water runoff and remove any remaining foam. While some dead fish have been observed in the impacted creeks, no major impacts to public health have been identified at this time. The public is advised to not fish or have contact with these creeks while contaminant testing and cleanup activities continue.
If any hazards are identified, residents in the affected area will be immediately notified. To register for the Garland Alert System, click the red Garland Alert System button on the left side of this page.
The EPA’s incident website also lists detailed information about air quality testing, which included the EPA’s ASPECT aircraft fly-over monitoring. All test results have shown safe levels for air quality.