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ODEQ and EPA Release Preliminary Air Monitoring Results from Tulsa Landfill Fire

Release Date: 08/06/2010
Contact Information: Skylar McElhaney, ODEQ (405)702-7167 or Austin Vela, EPA at 214-665-2200 or [email protected]

(Dallas, Texas – August 8, 2010) The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that preliminary results from air quality monitoring in the Tulsa area indicate no toxics in smoke coming from the North Tulsa Sanitary Landfill. These are preliminary findings taken from EPA’s aircraft that is equipped to image, map, identify, and quantify chemical vapors and plumes.

Additional air quality data is currently being recorded on ground-level monitors. Results from the ground-level monitors are not yet available.

Even smoke without toxic vapors can irritate the respiratory system and can worsen symptoms for those who already have breathing difficulties due to conditions such as asthma and emphysema. ODEQ continues to encourage individuals with this type of pre-existing condition to avoid the smoke by remaining indoors.

“Emergencies such as this one demonstrate the importance of the continued planning and cooperation between ODEQ and EPA,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz.

“ODEQ appreciates the quick response of EPA in this matter,” said ODEQ Executive Director Steve Thompson. “ODEQ and EPA will remain at the landfill throughout the day to place additional air quality monitors and gather data from those that have already been placed.”

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

More about activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/region6

EPA audio file is available at: https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/aug2010.html