An unfortunate fire, followed by an extreme explosion, occurred in a digester at an industrial facility. As a result, over 200 homes and properties became covered in a tar-like substance, which contained wood fibers, water, pulping materials, unknown substances, and chemicals. Cotton was tasked with the organization of affiliated parties in the cleaning and decontamination process, as well as providing proper documentation, proving all affected structures and locations were made safe, from both an environmental and sanitation stance.

Cotton provided preliminary guidance and direction of personnel to generate the necessary scope. Staff received instructions from Cotton on how to collect and test product remnants and provide air and water samples from the affected and nonaffected areas. The accumulation of these quantitative measurements helped determine when the affected areas were clean and safe again, allowing for the final clearance. Together, Cotton and the facility’s personnel visited every home to distribute detailed information about the event and recovery process.