Apex Chemical Plant Explosion

Ground and aerial views of the charred remains of what was a chemical storage facility owned by Environmental Quality NC. A chemical fire there forced the evacuation of thousands of Apex residents. The contents of the barrels are not known, and the cleanup process will be lengthy, requiring state approval and supervision.

EQ is a licensed hazardous-waste facility that repackages and disposes toxic chemicals for businesses. The plant handles hundreds of toxic wastes including banned pesticides and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. When involved in a fire these chemicals can form even more dangerous compounds such as dioxin or hydrogen chloride gas.

While the EPA and the NCDENR sampling focused on ambient air residents have been advised by local officials to take some precautions, that may prove inadequate or unwise. For example disposing of contaminated material could undermine efforts to measure the full extent of chemical fallout and compromise the clean up of contaminated homes and property. There may also be legal implications for the residents who throw contaminated material away, which could later serve as evidence in court.

Many area residents are already wondering why this facility's permit was renewed for 10 years in March 2005, given that some homes are located within 600 feet of the facility.