Towns of Chandler, Boonville, and Newburgh Give Updates on Water and Safety Measures After Warrick Chemical Fire

Concerns After Warrick County Chemical Fire

Following the recent chemical fire at the PBTT Inc. manufacturing facility on Vann Road in Warrick County, many residents have raised concerns about safety.

UPDATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH

The Warrick Health Dept issued the following guidance this morning concerning cleanup and outdoor gardens.

General Indoor Safety

• Use an air purifier or ventilation system with a HEPA filter to remove particles from indoor air.
• Ensure the purifier is sized correctly for the room.

Gardening Safety

• Wash, soak, or peel plants to avoid eating dust and soil particles.
• Keep children from eating soil or dirt.
• Water plants near the bottom to prevent soil splash on plants; avoid overhead watering.
• Remove shoes and wipe down pets to avoid tracking soil/ash indoors.
• Wash your hands after gardening.

Mental Health

• Anxiety, worrying, trouble sleeping, and depression are common after a fire.
• If symptoms last several days, seek professional support.
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

Assessing for Contamination

• If no visible soot/ash on surfaces, no suspended particles, and no smoke odor, no remediation is required.
• Do a wipe test: wipe a wall or windowsill. If no soot/ash appears, intrusion is likely minimal.
• If soot/ash is visible or smoke odor is strong, more thorough cleaning is recommended.
• Cleaning Up After a Fire
• Keep children away until ash/dust is cleaned.
• Cloth masks, paper masks, and bandanas are not effective for fine ash/dust.
• Use N95 respirators (properly worn) for protection.
• Avoid leaf blowers, dry sweeping, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning. Wash hands/body after.
• For outdoor cleanup: dampen ash before cleaning.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Do not use pressure washers, leaf blowers, or shop vacuums without HEPA filters.

Health Guidance for Returning After a Fire (Warrick County, IN)

Blood Testing (for lead exposure): Covered by most insurance (including Medicaid & Medicare).

• Warrick County Health Department (Children 0–7):
  107 West Locust Street, Boonville, IN
  812-897-6105
• Vanderburgh County Health Department:
  420 Mulberry Street, Evansville, IN 47713
  Contact: 812-435-5568
  health.vanderburghcounty.in.gov

Certified Drinking Water Labs:

• Indiana Drinking Water Laboratory Certification

Water and Soil Testing

• Warrick County Health Department:
  812-897-6105 ext. 6
  Email: ehs@warrickcounty.gov
• Vanderburgh County Health Department:
  420 Mulberry Street, Evansville, IN 47713
  Contact: 812-435-5568
  health.vanderburghcounty.in.gov

Read more here

IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

Newburgh

According to 14WFIE, Indiana American Water released a statement confirming that the water supply is safe to drink.

“Indiana American Water can confirm that our water supply has not been impacted by the incident. Our water is sourced from deep groundwater wells, not from the Ohio River or any surface water sources near the affected area."

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Boonville

In an alert sent by the Boonville alert system, they verified water was safe to drink as well.

The City of Boonville has been monitoring the public health risks created by the fire at the PBTT manufacturing facility in Newburgh. At this time, Boonville’s water treatment system is operating normally and we are not affected by the ash fallout from the fire. News media coverage of the fire has reported that fish may die because of the pH levels in the ash as it falls into local ponds. Boonville sources its water supply from underground wells that are not vulnerable to airborne contaminants in the same way that surface water–rivers and ponds–are exposed to risk. Also, Boonville’s water treatment operations comply with all regulatory standards to monitor water quality. We carry out sampling and testing daily to ensure full compliance and confidence in our water supply.

Chandler

The Town of Chandler released the following statement:

To address concerns regarding the chemical fire this past weekend on Vann Road, Chandler Utilities does not supply water to the specific area in question. Chandler Utilities has closed wells and filtration system; therefore, no outside contaminants can come into contact with the wells and the treatment process.

Read More: How to Sign Up for Boonville IN Reach Alert System 

EPA Urges Residents to Report Ash

The Warrick Emergency Management office is directing residents to visit response.epa.gov if they find ash at their homes. Officials warn that you should not touch the ash, as it can cause burns. If you do come into contact with it, you are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Is It Safe to Work in the Yard?

Many residents are also wondering if it is safe to mow grass, do yard work, or eat vegetables from their gardens that may have been exposed. We reached out to the Warrick Health Department but have not received guidance yet. For now, if you are concerned, the safest choice is to avoid the risk.

Warrick Humane Society Update

Humans aren't the only ones affected by this fire. A few minutes ago, the Warrick Humane Society posted this to Facebook.

Although all animals are safe in foster homes, the Warrick Humane Society is now facing a huge uphill battle. Because WHS does not receive government funding, they rely entirely on donations and revenue from the Home Away Pet Spa to care for homeless pets. Right now, the area is shut down, which means they cannot access supplies, accept bookings for spa or boarding appointments, or assess the full damage to their buildings and properties. They are asking the community donate what they can. To Donate: CLICK HERE

We will update you as new information becomes available.