Westley Tire Fire and Remediation

The Westley Tire Fire Site project was completed on budget and two years ahead of schedule, despite a 50% increase in the estimated tire volume. 237,000 tons of debris were removed from the site between November, 2001 and November, 2002. This translates to approximately 17 million tires. Throughout this project, Sukut Construction, Inc. demonstrated a perfect safety record with a continuous employee health-monitoring program.

Sukut Construction, Inc.’s construction and engineering expertise were major factors that contributed to putting out the Westley Tire Fire. In 1999, it was estimated that 7 million tires had caught on fire. Sukut worked in conjunction with the U.S. EPA, local fire departments, the local water board, DTSC and California I.W.M.B. to successfully extinguish the fire in only 34 days.

Westley Tire Fire Facts:

• Removed approximately 150,000 tons of non-hazardous wastes comprised of “altered tires and contaminated soil”.
• Removed approximately 20,000 tons of “altered tires and contaminated soil” with elevated concentrations of zinc that exceed California’s (non-RCRA) hazardous waste criterion.
• Transported wastes to designated disposal sites.
• Implemented on-site health and safety, fire control and spill prevention plans.
• Performed confirmation sampling beneath each of the existing waste piles.
• Provided maintenance and establishment of erosion controls.