City of Toledo Responds to Concerns at 1925 Nebraska Ave.
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:
- Sign up for emergency alerts at toledo.oh.gov/alerts
- Visit the city’s website at toledo.oh.gov
- Tune into local news channels
- 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.