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Officials report DRT America plant fire; EPD, contractors and county respond
Summary
County officials reported a structure fire at the DRT America facility during post-maintenance startup. Fire crews used foam to suppress burning turpentine compounds; Georgia EPD and contractors are conducting air and runoff monitoring and remediation. No public health threat was confirmed at the meeting.
County officials briefed commissioners on April 7 about a structure fire at the DRT America plant that involved flammable turpentine/crude sulfate material during a startup following maintenance.
According to the update during commissioners’ reports, county fire crews and on-site suppression systems first attacked the blaze; firefighters later used foam and aerial resources to fully extinguish burning product and cool equipment. An emergency environmental contractor was on site overnight and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) personnel were involved throughout the response. "There is air monitoring on site," county staff said; officials reported no evidence of an acute public health threat but acknowledged a strong odor in the area.
The county said some runoff reached the local wastewater treatment plant and that remediation plans controlled by Georgia EPD are underway. County leaders said they had notified the state fire marshal, OSHA and the EPA. Commissioners pressed for continued oversight and said they expect DRT and regulators to provide remediation plans and follow-up reports. One commissioner noted concern about equipment-seal failures during start-up and described the event as potentially symptomatic of deeper operational or safety-culture issues at the facility.
County staff said they will continue to coordinate with state environmental regulators and local officials and monitor air and water impacts as remediation proceeds. The update was given as part of commissioners’ reports; no formal action or vote was taken.
