The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is spearheading the cleanup of a hazardous site in Clinton Township, Michigan, following a catastrophic explosion at a vape supply storage facility. The site, formerly known as Goo Smoke Shop, was filled with volatile materials including vape pens, butane canisters, nitrous oxide cylinders, and lithium batteries. The explosion, which occurred in March, not only levelled the 28,000-square-foot building but also sent debris flying over a mile and resulted in the tragic death of a 19-year-old man. The cleanup operation, expected to cost over $2 million, involves segregating and removing hazardous materials, with a ramp-up in personnel planned after Labor Day.

The disaster has legal ramifications for the site owner, who faces involuntary manslaughter charges due to the improper storage of explosive materials that led to the deadly incident. Sean Kane of the EPA emphasised the agency’s role in the cleanup after negotiations between the government and the responsible parties stalled. Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon praised the EPA’s intervention, expressing optimism that once completed, the site will be restored and put up for sale. The cleanup aims to eliminate all hazards, making the area safe for future development.

Source: AP News