A2Z Environmental Group was contracted
by Maritime Alliance to decontaminate container that had been
shipped out of Africa. As the container was going through inspections,
foods that were not allowed to be shipped into the United States
were discovered. The shipment was refused and it sat in the
trailer for three years before being released for cleaning.
A2Zs’ HAZMAT team assembled and planned a proper decontamination
methodology. All wastewater from cleaning had to be reclaimed
for disposal and could not be released into the environment.
The spoiled foodstuffs were to be sent via a roll-off container
to Baltimore RESCO on Russell Street, a U.S. Customs approved
facility for incineration of APHIS waste, for direct incineration.
A piece of Polyethylene sheeting was
placed beneath the container. The container was opened and
allowed to air out for approximately 45 minutes while the team
assembled the necessary gear. The roll-off container was placed
within three feet of the APHIS container doors and the team
shoveled their way into the trailer. Clay absorbent was used
to cover the floor as the team entered to promote drying and
prevent contamination from being carried outside. Cans were
punctured with a chisel so they would not create a steam hazard
at the incinerator or an overpressure explosion. The dried
floor was swept as the team advanced and more clean absorbent
was applied. The absorbent was ground into the cracks and crevices
to dry the area. The clay was then swept up and placed into
the roll-off container.
Three 55 gallon poly drums were found
buried under the bags of grain and boxes of groceries that
ranged from shrimp to bouillon cubes. The drums were uncovered
and checked for leaks. They were then removed to the rear of
the container and decontaminated with dilute antibacterial
solution. In order to obtain samples for an on site analysis
with the HAZCAT kit, a HAZMAT technician was suited up in a
Level “B” PPE and opened the drums that had been
moved outside, The material was tested and identified as a
hydrocarbon based wax with a cooking oil additive or additives.
After determining these drums to be non-hazardous, they were
labeled and the site was secured. The container was sprayed
down with Zeo Antibacterial cleaner and allowed to soak overnight
for maximum effectiveness. All tools used in the cleaning process
were sprayed and soaked overnight in the container.
An internet search helped to
reveal the identity of the unknown. A search was conducted on “African
Waxes” and revealed a substance called Sunflower Butter.
This material contains: beeswax 60-70%, soybean oil 15-20% and
sunflower seed oil 15- 20%. This is a very close match to the
HAZCAT kit results. When the crew arrived back on site, the container
was again ventilated. The spaces inside, especially the floor,
were still damp. The container was jacked so that lumber could
be placed on three sides allowing for control of wash water by
creating a pool in one corner of the container. Absorbent boom
was placed outside to create a pool out of the poly already in
place in case of leakage during washing. The container was washed
several times with hot and cold water. It was re-sprayed with
the antibacterial agent and washed again. The spaces were dried
with compressed air and then air-dried for one hour. A visual
inspection was conducted, and then orange based deodorizer was
applied. The marine surveyor from Maritime Alliance was contacted
to inspect. The container passed inspection. The last order of
business was to strap the drums of Sunflower butter and move
them to a storage shed to await disposal.
