A sampling operation took place in the Grand Junction area on January 7, 2025 to investigate hazardous waste at two locations. The waste, abandoned by a hemp oil production company, included various chemicals such as acetone, heptane, and ethanol. At 820 23 ½ Road (next to Appleton Elementary School), approximately 20-25 drums and 15-20 totes were present. At 1441 12 ½ Road, in Loma, there were an estimated 50-75 drums and 75-100 totes.
After further investigation of these totes, on January 10, 2025, EPA will work with local
fire authorities to conduct one or more controlled burns to mitigate the
hazards posed by the totes. This a routine procedure performed under strict
supervision of the local authorities to ensure the protection of the
surrounding area. There is no danger to the surrounding areas; this includes Appleton students on campus and neighboring homes. If you see smoke, there is no cause for concerns and authorities are
closely monitoring the situation.
EPA would
like to extend our sincere thanks to the Grand Junction Fire and Police Departments
for their outstanding support during this cleanup effort. Their collaboration,
including properly handling unstable chemical containers and providing critical
resources to site personnel, has been invaluable in ensuring the success and
safety of this operation.
The Administrative Record for this action is available in the Documents Section of this website.
