TCEQ, EPA monitoring runoff from large paint facility fire in Garland
On August 7, 2023, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Garland Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 701 S. Shiloh Road, Sherwin-Williams. Fire units arrived on the scene, discovering a large ongoing fire and observing several large explosions. Fire units immediately evacuated the plant and took measures to ensure all plant employees were accounted for, with one employee being treated at the scene for minor injuries. Ultimately, 16 Garland Fire units responded to the scene. After approximately two hours, the fire department suppressed the fire.
The City of Garland has partnered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct extensive air quality and stormwater (runoff water) testing including active monitoring around the Sherwin-Williams Plant and nearby neighborhoods. The EPA conducted fly-over air monitoring assessments, and all test results have shown safe levels for air quality.
During the efforts to contain the fire and manage immediate life safety priorities, foam retardant from the Sherwin-Williams fire suppression system entered the sewers and surrounding creeks. TCEQ, EPA, the City of Garland and Sherwin-Williams are working to remediate the issues caused by the runoff and cleanup any remaining foam. While some dead fish have been observed in the impacted creeks, no major impacts to public health have been identified at this time. The public is advised to not fish or have contact with these creeks while contaminant testing and cleanup activities continue. Dams have been constructed and water is being pumped out of impacted creeks to mitigate the spread of potential contaminants. Water sampling is ongoing, and the sampling results will be posted when available.
Air and stormwater quality testing will continue throughout the cleanup efforts. The health, safety and security of our citizens is top priority. Therefore, if hazards are identified, residents in the affected area will be immediately notified. To register for the Garland Alert System, please visit https://www.garlandtx.gov.
The map below indicates the impacted creeks that the public should avoid while contaminant testing and cleanup activities continue. The cause of the fire is still under investigation with Garland Fire remaining onsite.
