What is the current site status?
On the afternoon of Saturday, August 16, 2025, the main
operations building of the orchard located at 511 Miller Road caught
fire. The building was a complete loss and resulted in the release of
petroleum products, pesticides/herbicides, and apple cider vinegar. The
release was exacerbated by water used for fire suppression. The building was
used for cold storage and produce coolers, cider press and apple packing
facilities, retail area, maple evaporator and sugaring equipment. EPA Region 1
Emergency Planning & Response Branch (EPRB) was notified of the incident on
the morning of Monday, August 18, 2025, by Vermont Department of Environmental
Conservation's (VTDEC) Sites Management Section & Spill Program. The cause
of the fire remains under investigation.
Based on review of the reports and the Site Investigation
and the structure fire that occurred on August 16, 2025, it is evident that the
threat of release of hazardous pollutants or contaminants from the Site exists.
The emergency response removal action will remove hazardous pollutants or
contaminants that have released or may pose a threat of release into the
environment and present an imminent
and substantial danger to
public health or welfare of the United States.
Region 1 EPA Emergency Planning and Response Branch (EPRB) reported the incident to the National
Response Center (NRC) and initiated their emergency response contracts with
their Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) and Emergency
Rapid Response Services (ERRS) contractors the afternoon of Monday, 8/18/2025.
An On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) along with their START and ERRS contractors
mobilized to the incident the morning of Tuesday, 8/19/2025 to perform an
assessment and take appropriate response actions. The incident occurred in
EPA's response jurisdiction, and EPA is the Lead Federal Agency.
What has been done to clean up the site?
On March 1, 2017, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) conducted an inspection of the Orchard and found multiple violations under the Vermont Rule for Control of Pesticides of mislabeled pesticides storage and for storing pesticides in an unsafe manner.
On July 17, 2024, the VAAFM requested EPA Emergency Planning and Response Branch's (EPRB) assistance to evaluate the need for a removal action at the Site. EPA visited the Site and conducted a Preliminary Assessment and Site Investigation (PA/SI). The investigation consisted of collecting samples from powders, granular materials, or other solids in open bags/containers, or from materials that had already been spilled/released from torn/degraded bags/containers. Results revealed tentatively identified compounds (TICs) including DDT.
On August 16, 2025, a structure fire occurred near the Pesticides Storage Area #1. The building was destroyed and resulted in the release of approximately 300 gallons of petroleum product, additional pesticides, and apple cider vinegar. The release was exacerbated by water used for fire suppression. The Dummerston Police Department and Fire Department responded to the initial fire, and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) hired a contractor to start emergency response actions including segregating wastes, covering known contaminated areas and waste streams, and overpacking damaged drums.
Background
The Site consists of a ~200-acre active apple orchard and agricultural business. There are several buildings on the property, including residences, barns, sheds, and outbuildings. The privately owned Orchard has been in operation since 1871 with the purchase of land, and it has since been in continuous operation.
The Site is located on Miller Road, an agricultural area in East Dummerston, VT. The Site consists of multiple parcels and is bordered on all sides by other agricultural and residential properties. Within one mile of the Site, there are 232 residents.
