HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 225-08City of Palo Alto
C ty Manager ep rt
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: FIRE
DATE:
SUBJECT:
April 28, 2008 CMR: 225:08
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION OF 5~A__RCH 18, 2008 CHEMICAL
RELEASE FROM COMMUNICATIONS & POWER INDUSTRIES, INC.
(CPI), 811 HANSEN %TAY
RE.COMMENDATION
This is an informational report. No Council action is required.
BACKGROUND
At 9:40 am on March 18, 2008, Communications and Power iaadustries called 911 to report a
chemical spill had occurred at its facility. It reported that the spill was small in quantity, confined to
the asphalt in the immediate spill area and that the CPI Emergency Response Team (ERT) could
handle it, Fire response was not necessary. Fire Department personnel were dispatched by the on
duty Battalion Chief as a precaution. Approximately 10 gallons of 31% hydrochloric acid spilled
outside on the asphalt and approximately 60 gallons of a mixture of 31% hydrochloric acid and water
spilled into secondary containment inside the building. The CPI Emergency Response Team was in
the process of neutralizing and cleaning up the exterior spill when Fire Department units a~Tived on
scene. Fire persomael remained on scene to assist in the neutralization and recovery of materials
spilled into the secondary containment inside the building. At no time was there a danger of offsite
consequences.
DISCUSSION
Based on the subsequent Fire Department investigation, the Fire Department aa~d the City Attorney’s
Office have determined that the release was not due to violation of state or local hazardous materials
regaalations and that no criminal or administrative enforcement actions are warranted. CPI will be
required to provide restitution in the amomat of $6,200 for the costs associated with the Fire
Department response and subsequent investigation by the Hazardous Materials Inspector. There was
no impact to the environment nor was there a danger to the public health and safety. CPI provided
emergency notification to the Fire Department as required and quickly contained, neutralized and
cleaned up the release to the asphalt. The interior release to secondary contairmaent was contained as
designed, neutralized and cleaned up with assistance from Fire. CPI has removed the pipe valving
CMR 225:08 Page 1 of 2
arrangement that caused the release and will review and update its chemical delivev procedures to
prevent future similar incidents.
PREPARED B ~ Y
Fire Marshal
DEPARTMENT HEAD"
CITY MANAGER APPROVA_L:
NrICHOL~S~MARINARO
Fire Chi /’~’,
EMII~Y HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
CMR 225:08 Page 2 of 2