Friday, April 17, 2015

LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS ARE STILL WORKING TO GET THEIR MONEY BACK AFTER THE HAZARDOUS DIMETHYLAMINE CHEMICAL LEAK THAT SHUT DOWN I-90 AT STATE LINE IN FALL OF 2014. THEY ARE ASKING FOR ABOUT $80,000 IN REIMBURSEMENT COSTS.






APRIL 17, 2015

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

Local emergency responders are still working to get their money back after the hazardous chemical leak that shut down I-90 at State Line in Fall of 2014. They are asking for about $80,000 in reimbursement costs.

People throughout the area reported smelling the toxic fumes. Since then, KREM 2 News has learned the trucking company responsible for hauling that chemical contends the leak never even happened.

"From their perspective only, since we let them drive down the highway the next day, then it wasn't, in fact, a leak," said Andy Hail, the Deputy Fire Chief in Spokane Valley.

Hail has been the point man since last September for documenting the local emergency response to the haz-mat scare that shut down I-90 at State Line.

It detoured traffic for more than 19 hours, while hazardous materials crews worked furiously to fix a leaking valve on tanker truck. It was hauling dimethylamine anhydrous - a highly toxic, flammable chemical that can cause respiratory damage if inhaled. It has a trademark odor of rotting fish.

"That was one of the indicators that we've got product in the atmosphere, because those guys were coming back reeking. And you couldn't get away from it," said Hail.

Hail has now submitted first-hand testimony to McKenzie Tank Lines out of Florida to prove the leak and the emergency response it prompted was real and absolutely necessary.

"I think by the challenge of the evidence that has been provided, they are, in fact saying, this really was a non-event," said Hail.

Hail said he is confident in the evidence he has gathered -- time logs, chemical tests, and witness reports to prove the reimbursement request is valid.

Six separate agencies, including Valley Fire, Spokane Fire, Fairchild Air Force Base, and the Washington DOT are asking for a combined total of about $80,000. Because this was not your typical emergency response, state law clearly says that they are entitled to that reimbursement.

"Most fire situations, most medical situations, even minor hazardous material situations, that is considered the normal expectation of a public safety agency to respond to those, and not seek reimbursement," said Hail. "But this one was different. This one was different."

Local authorities tell me they have submitted all of their evidence to McKenzie Tank Lines. Now, it is up to their attorney to respond, which will dictate the next move.
Source: http://www.krem.com