Rep. Landgraf: Remediation efforts continue at PBC fire site

ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - State Representative Brooks Landgraf provided another update on the Permian Basin Containers fire site, following a visit to the site and continued communication with officials from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality and residents in the area.

Remediation efforts continued at and around the site with 11 crew members working on Friday, and more to be added on Monday, August 12.

Crews continue to work in the residential area, and pumping free-standing water at the facility, while also continuing to pump the pit and the pond. Crews are continuing to remove liquid and soil at the site, with soil samples provided to the regional TCEQ office.

The metal "tote cages" at the facility are being moved, compressed, and recycled to allow access to areas with standing containments. The metals recycler started clearing an area toward the smoldering location.

Odessa Fire Rescue continues to be on standby to fight flareups and hotspots while remediation is underway.

Air monitoring continues at the site and in the surrounding area. If air quality reaches dangerous levels, residents and Representative Landgraf will be immediately notified, Landgraf said.