Veolia Continues Cleanup Efforts After Steam Pipe Explosion
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Veolia North America, the company that maintains Baltimore City's steam pipes reports that about 75 percent of the site impacted by the steam pipe explosion Tuesday has been cleaned.
RELATED: Cleanup Underway After Steam Pipe Explosion In Downtown Baltimore
The Maryland Department of Environment is now involved in the clean-up following the massive steam pipe explosion.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environment say they are treating this as an asbestos clean-up and they're not the only ones taking precaution.
"We want to make sure we clear that site in a way that s healthy for the environment of the city of baltimore," says Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh. "When things like this happen, you cannot predict all that is surrounding it. This is why it's important that this be thoroughly investigated. That we make sure nothing is contaminated."
Veolia crews will begin accessing the site of the pipe break after public walkways, surrounding buildings and impacted vehicles are cleaned and released.
Air quality remains normal, says Veolia in a statement:
"We will continue to monitor air quality for the duration of the cleanup and will continue analysis of environmental samples taken near the site."
Fire officials say that every truck that responded has now been washed three times. They've also hired a private contractor to clean the insides.
A member of the fire union says they may be meeting Friday to discuss any further steps they might take as it relates to cleanup.
Baltimore Police released the following statement:
A number of Baltimore police officers were among the first responders to the scene. We have been in touch with the affected officers regarding necessary safety precautions with regards to the possibility of exposure to asbestos.
The Baltimore City Fire Department reported that five people were injured in the blast.
Veolia says Eutaw Street from the Marriott to Lombard Street is now open, however, Eutaw Street from Pratt to the Marriott is still closed.
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