City of Toledo Responds to Concerns at 1925 Nebraska Ave.

Update Monday, June 17, 10:00 a.m.

The City of Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, along with the Division of Environmental Services, continue to pursue remedy of the hazards at 1925 Nebraska Ave. that were observed during an investigation on May 23.

Continued monitoring of the air and drinking water quality in the surrounding neighborhood show no contamination present. There is no active threat to the immediate area.

The facility is still under court ordered evacuation, meaning no one is permitted on the property outside of city staff and supporting agencies. This helps to ensure the area will remain safe until the fire suppression system can be restored to working condition. Toledo Police will be patrolling the area to ensure the orders are being followed, but please contact the non-emergency line at 419-255-8443 if you see operational activity.

Environmental Services is working with the US and Ohio EPA to oversee the cleanup of chemicals and make sure they are disposed of properly. The property owner will be responsible for hiring a certified contractor to do the work in accordance with all environmental regulations.

The case will be heard in court on June 17, which will determine the city’s next steps. We are working aggressively to make sure the neighborhood is safe and the building is brought into compliance. We will continue to release updates as new information is available.

Update Friday, May 24, 12:20 p.m.

The City of Toledo Fire and Rescue Department and US EPA responded yesterday to safety concerns at Omni Polymers, located at 1925 Nebraska Ave.

The Toledo Fire Prevention Bureau issued property owner Joe LaRosa a Serious Hazard Order, mandating evacuation of the building for 7 days.

Toledo Environmental Services monitored air quality readings throughout the day to ensure that the surrounding area was safe for nearby residents. No readings were found in the area bound by Fearing Blvd., Detroit Ave., Parkside Dr., and Dorr St.

Testing of the private storm sewer showed trace amounts of arsenic, mercury, and zinc, indicating that chemicals had been improperly discharged. There is no active threat to residents.

The US EPA, in collaboration with local agencies, will work with the property owner to achieve compliance with all applicable regulations to ensure the ongoing health and safety of the employees and neighbors.

Update Thursday, May 23, 2:20 p.m.

Air quality readings taken around the perimeter of building and throughout nearby neighborhoods are normal.

Thursday, May 23, 11:45 a.m.

The City of Toledo Fire Prevention Bureau and US EPA have initiated a proactive safety response today at the Omnipolymer facility at 1925 Nebraska Ave.

On Monday, May 20, an inspection by the Toledo Fire Prevention Bureau and Environmental Services revealed concerns with improper chemical storage, as well as a non-operational fire suppression system.

We are currently assessing the situation to determine next steps to ensure the health and safety of the community. In order to allow crews to operate safely, Nebraska Ave. has been closed to both traffic and pedestrians from Brown to Woodstock until further notice.

There is no active threat to nearby residents and businesses. Please avoid the area to allow crews to operate safely.

The City of Toledo will continue to update residents on the situation as new information is available. Residents can stay informed on the latest updates by:

1. Sign up for emergency alerts at toledo.oh.gov/alerts
2. Visit the city’s website at toledo.oh.gov
3. Tune into local news channels
4. Follow the City of Toledo on social media channels

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the safety response at the Omnipolymer facility?

The safety response was initiated due to concerns about improper chemical storage and a non-operational fire suppression system identified during an inspection on May 20 by the Toledo Fire Prevention Bureau and Environmental Services.

What do we know right now?

There is no active threat to nearby residents and businesses. Air quality readings from around the area are normal. Air and wastewater quality testing will continue throughout the day to determine any negative impact.

What steps are being taken to address the situation?

The City of Toledo Fire Prevention Bureau, US EPA, and Ohio EPA are currently assessing the situation to determine the next steps to ensure the health and safety of the community.

Why has Nebraska Ave. been closed?

Nebraska Ave. has been closed from Brown to Woodstock to allow crews to operate safely.

How long will the closure of Nebraska Ave. last?

The closure will remain in effect until further notice to ensure the safety of the crews and the community.

Who is involved in managing the situation?

The City of Toledo Fire Prevention Bureau, US EPA, and Ohio EPA are leading the proactive safety response.

What should residents do in the meantime?

Residents are advised to avoid the area to allow crews to operate safely and to stay informed through the provided channels.

How will the community be notified of further updates?

The City of Toledo will continue to provide updates through emergency alerts, the city’s website, local news channels, and social media.