Last week, there was a massive fire at the factory operated by SPS Technologies in Jenkintown, PA. Abington Township declared a state of emergency, and local residents were asked to evacuate and/or shelter in their homes due to concerns about air quality from the smoke. There are also very real concerns about the quality of the water in Abington following this catastrophic blaze that lasted for over two days.
Cyanide Found in Tookany Creek Following the SPS Technologies Fire
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that it found cyanide in the Tookany Creek following the blaze. Cyanide quickly evaporates as hydrogen cyanide in surface water, which is a highly poisonous gas according to the Centers for Disease Control. According to the DEP, SPS is pumping water used to put out the fire into holding tanks and treating it in an on-site wastewater facility to prevent further water contamination, and there is no risk to the drinking water.
However, residents in the surround area have the right to be concerned. Property values could diminish if local creeks have become polluted, and questions still remain about the air quality and longstanding effects of that on the health of residents. Further, should there be contaminants identified in the water, there are catastrophic implications for the health of Abington residents.
Possibility of Future Water Contamination
Recently, there have been lawsuits in Horsham related to firefighting foam being contaminated with PFAS, which contaminated drinking water surround the Air Force base in that area. In 2014, residents of Flint, Michigan faced a contaminated water crisis when the city switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River, where the water was contaminated with lead an possibly Legionella bacteria. It remains to be seen whether this catastrophic fire will affect the drinking water in Abington, but Anapol Weiss is actively investigating the fire, its causes, and how to help those affected.
Contact Anapol Weiss if You Were Affected by the SPS Technologies Fire in Abington Township
Anapol Weiss is committed to representing residents of Abington Township who were affected by the recent SPS Technologies fire. Call us today at 215-608-9645 or fill out our online contact form to speak with one of our attorneys.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
