Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the commencement of hazardous waste cleanup at the former Goo Smoke Shop and Select Distributors Warehouse in Clinton Township, Michigan. The site, located at 19100 15 Mile Road, was the scene of a fire and multiple explosions earlier this year.
Residents may observe heavy equipment as preparations for the cleanup begin next week. The EPA anticipates that the cleanup process will take several months to complete.
In May, the EPA conducted an initial cleanup operation to degas and recycle 3,582 intact compressed gas cylinders and remove three 55-gallon drums of lithium-ion batteries. The upcoming phase will address remaining hazardous materials, including uncovered cans of butane, intact compressed gas cylinders, vaping pens, and lithium-ion batteries. The estimated cost for this phase is $2.7 million.
This week, preparatory measures included establishing site controls such as work trailers and additional fencing. Construction equipment, technicians, and security personnel have been mobilized. Perimeter air and particulate monitoring will be conducted to ensure public health and environmental safety during active operations.
On March 4th, a fire and multiple explosions occurred at the warehouse used for distributing vape pens, CBD products, hookahs, lighters, and other novelty items. Initial reports indicated approximately 100,000 cans of ultra-refined butane and thousands of compressed gas cylinders containing nitrous oxide were present on-site along with thousands of vape pens containing lithium-ion batteries. The incident resulted in potentially contaminated debris spreading up to several miles in various directions.
Following the explosions, the EPA conducted air monitoring efforts to stabilize the site and surveyed within a half-mile radius to identify areas affected by debris. Materials were collected and staged on-site for proper disposal.
For more information about the cleanup efforts at Goo Smoke Shop, visit EPA’s dedicated website.
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