YAKIMA, Wash.-New thermal data collected by the Department of Ecology on an underground fire burning at the DTG-Anderson Landfill is aiding in the continued environmental investigation at the site.
Updates, documents and more information on the fire are available through the DOE’s Anderson Landfill cleanup webpage.
DTG Recycle noticed unusually high temperatures beneath the surface in one area of the landfill that indicated an underground fire earlier this year.
The fire has been continuously monitored since its discovery and the fire is controlled, with no signs of further spread according to the DOE.
Both the DOE and the Yakima Health District continue to monitor the fire through the collection of thermal data at the site.
DOE and the YHD recently flew a drone over three different areas of the landfill taking two photos, one on the visual and another on the thermal spectrum, at each location.
According to the DOE, the thermal images help show a fuller picture of the situation. The imagery can confirm information and help determine what actions should be taken to protect the air, soil and water near the landfill.
At the first location, where the fire was discovered, a dark purple patch on the thermal imagery is where volatile organic compounds were detected. Samples at this location also indicate chemicals, such as benzene, in the gas emissions from the fire according to an update on the situation from the DOE.
Soil has been spread over the area to help contain the emissions.
At the second location where thermal imagery was used no fire has been detected, although high temperatures are evident. According to the DOE, a gas probe in this area has not indicated a fire and the area is being monitored.
The third area surveyed in the northeast corner of the landfill showed elevated temperatures, but no fire has been identified or confirmed yet.
Gas probes have been installed in the third location and are checked weekly according to the DOE, to determine if there is a fire.
The DOE and the YHD are overseeing DTG Recycle’s efforts to put the fire out.
According to DOE’s recent update on the fire suppression efforts, DTG’s current plan is to smother the fire with soil. Thermal imaging is one way of knowing if the plan is working by monitoring temperatures in the area.
The YHD is analyzing air emissions data and temperature reading to assess the fire and its possible effects on the environment and human health.
