Twenty percent of Almeda waste tested contains hazardous materials

MEDFORD, Ore. — Environmental experts in Medford say 20% of waste which has been tested from the Almeda fire area contains hazardous materials. A reminder, they say, of why it's important to wear the proper equipment when in the area.

“We are finding hydrocarbons in them so it is not like this is not a hazardous area in this fire zone, it is very hazardous and the last thing we want is people walking in there that don’t have the proper protective equipment,” Kim Ramsay, vice president at Neilson Research Corporation said.

Ramsay said the lab is working closely with the local landfill to determine what can be safely disposed of there.

“The Dry Creek Landfill is requiring three tests, one is a hydrocarbon identification, if the presence of gasoline, diesel, or lube oil is there then we do another analysis for diesel or gas and quantify it," Ramsay explained. "They are also requiring what is called a TCLP eight metals analysis which simulates the leaching of hazardous materials in the landfill, and we are also doing the testing for asbestos."

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Ramsay noted that strict protocols and procedures are followed when collecting and testing samples.

“It’s not something anybody can do, in fact, I’ve worked in this industry for over 33 years and I couldn’t go out and take the samples because it is complicated,” she said. "The environmental consultants are the only ones that should be taking these samples.”

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She said the lab will continue to test the waste, which could possibly lead to the discovery of other hazardous materials.

“We are getting samples on a daily basis and a lot of samples, as we do more testing we will be able to have more idea of the toxicity levels that are out there,” Ramsay said.