pulse.ncpolicywatch.org
A devastating fire at the former Weaver Fertilizer plant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina forced the evacuation of thousands of nearby residents a little over a year ago. On Jan. 31, 2022, 600 tons of ammonium nitrate caught fire at the Weaver Fertilizer plant at 4440 N Cherry Street and burned for four days. Contaminated soil has been found with samples containing high levels of arsenic.
Contaminated groundwater was also found with elevated concentrations of several chemicals, including nitrite and benzene. Levels of arsenic in the soil were greater than background levels near the former rail spur in three spots on the west side of the property, the highest concentration was 42.2 part per million which is 62 times greater than the Residential Health-Based Preliminary Soil Remediation Goals. In the groundwater, three wells indicated nitrate/nitrite levels 15 to 50 times the groundwater standard.
A spokesperson for the NC Department of Environmental Quality stated that they are reviewing the report and will be following up regarding specific review comments and next steps.