The Sunnyvale Sun

News

Sunnyvale treatment plant evacuated after tank fire

By Hugh Biggar

A worker's torch ignited a sewage tank in Sunnyvale on Dec. 6, sending one person to the hospital and causing the evacuation of 105 city and contract workers.

The incident began around 1 p.m. at the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant, which is adjacent to San Francisco Bay at Caribbean Drive and Borregas Avenue.

Although the 65-foot tank was empty, sulfur residue was ignited from a torch being used to cut the lid off of it. Workers were conducting a rehabilitation project on a "digester" sewage tank when the accident occurred.

One worker, who inhaled sulfur fumes, was taken to the hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties. He was treated and released.

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety responded to the fire with 30 officers on seven fire trucks.

Large earthen berms located along Caribbean Drive helped contain the fumes, said John Pilger, Sunnyvale's public information officer. As a result, employees at business parks across from Caribbean Drive did not have to be evacuated. Pilger said wildlife at nearby marshlands was unlikely to be affected by the fumes. Traffic on nearby city streets also flowed with little delay.

Emergency crews wearing protective gear, including breathing equipment, worked into the evening to douse the fire with water. A rescue truck on the scene also provided additional light for emergency crews. It was out by 6:30 p.m.

Pilger also said authorities used a crane to lift a portion of the tank lid to allow them better access to the fire.

Pilger said that while there was no risk of explosion, the fumes still presented a risk.