Viney Aneja (photo: Sally Ramey)

Viney Aneja Named to Governor's Task Force

A spectacular Oct. 5 fire at a hazardous materials warehouse in Apex, N.C., rattled nerves and raised a lot of questions about the handling of hazardous materials and waste.

About 15,000 residents were evacuated as officials sought to understand what was burning and what, if any, effects the smoke may have on residents or the environment.

A variety of chemicals were thought to have been involved in the fire, but no inventory was available to authorities at the time of the blaze.

After making national news, the fire was followed by a second scare several days later when a damaged metal drum burst into flames and smoked for more than an hour. It contained solid sodium, which ignited after exposure to rain.

In response, NC Governor Mike Easley appointed a Hazardous Materials Task Force to examine current regulations for hazardous waste storage facilities, and recommend changes to tighten the rules governing these facilities, including legislation if needed, to fully protect the state’s citizens and environment.

Viney Aneja is the only research scientist asked to participate on the task force, which includes representatives from emergency management, health departments, fire departments, emergency medical services, municipalities and other public service organizations.

Aneja’s expertise with emissions, airborne pollutants and particulate matter was sought by the local and national news media immediately following the fire.

(Source: Scope Magazine, NCSU, Winter 2007)

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