Air Monitoring Data Summary Reports: (click on link)
November 16
November 17
November 18
Update 11/21/2023 - Debris in Residential Yards
EPA collected samples of debris found in residential yards on East Parker Street from the textile mill fire. The samples were analyzed for asbestos content; no asbestos was found in any of the samples collected. Laboratory results are posted in the documents section of this webpage.
Air samples and sediment samples are still being analyzed. Results of those samples will be posted in the documents section of this webpage when available. EPA may take further cleanup action depending on sediment results. At this time, no action is necessary based on existing data.
Background
On November 12, 2023, a fire engulfed the main building of the former Culp Weaving Mill, an abandoned industrial facility. Local fire crews from multiple departments responded and managed to contain the fire to the property but a collapsed roof hindered efforts to completely
extinguish the fire. On November 14, Alamance County Emergency Management requested assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency to provide air monitoring and sampling due to smoke from smoldering that was impacting the surrounding community. EPA mobilized a Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) and Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) contractors to establish an air monitoring network, collect air samples, and evaluate impact to waterways. EPA arrived on November 15 and set up 4 air monitoring stations which will remain in-place for at least two days; burned debris has been observed on nearby properties.
On the evening of November 15 and 17, City of Graham Fire responded to visible fire in the building by applying additional water for over an hour.
EPA collected air monitoring data from the evening of November 15 to the morning of November 18. Live air monitoring data was available during that time but has been shut down. Data summary reports are available in the documents section of this webpage. Air and sediment samples have been collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results from those samples will also be posted in the documents section of this webpage when available. EPA demobilized on November 18.
