The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave an update Friday on its investigation into a pair of fires at the former Lincoln Chemical building in Reading.
Preliminary findings revealed containers of hazardous chemicals stored throughout the building, the EPA said in a press release.
Air monitoring for dust and volatile compounds is on-going, but results so far have been consistent with expected background levels, the EPA said.
Additional air sampling results will be provided once available.
The 137-year-old three-story brick building was owned by Lincoln Chemical Co. for about 30 years before the company ceased operations within the last few years. The building was owned by Reading Brewing Co. for 90 years until the mid-1970s.
The building was partially demolished in early November to contain a two-alarm fire that collapsed part of the building, and required an extensive response from fire crews.
That fire was preceded by a smaller blaze two days before that was quickly contained.
Since the Nov. 2 fire, the EPA has been working with local and state officials to investigate the site, and identify and dispose of chemicals stored in the building.
The EPA noted that since the initial demolition, more of the building has been torn down to ensure the structural integrity of what remains and the safety of on-site workers and residents.
Cleanup activities will be limited during the week of Thanksgiving, the EPA said, but security personnel will remain present at the site. Work will resume the following week.
The existing road blockade will remain in effect but will be reduced to the area immediately adjacent to the building allowing residents to more easily travel around the area, according to the EPA.
The section of 9th Street between Laurel and East Laurel streets will remain closed to traffic throughout the cleanup.
Source: Berkshire mont
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