Dive operations and vehicle recovery have been paused at the Key Bridge collapse site due to the submerged wreckage and debris causing hazardous conditions, according to a Unified Command news release.
The Unified Command established a 2000-yard Safety Zone for the M/V Dali recovery efforts, a statement released Thursday from Unified Command read, adding that on-scene crews continue to assess and monitor for spilled oils and hazardous substances.
“The Unified Command is addressing environmental concerns with response teams conducting visual inspections of water quality and collecting samples for testing," the release read.
Of the 56 containers on the vessel that contained hazardous materials, 13 were impacted and assessed by an industrial hygienist for potential hazards.
According to the statement, the Unified Command found soap products, perfume products or not otherwise specified resin. No volatile organic compounds or flammable vapors have been found around the ship as air monitoring continues around it, the release added.
The Unified Command includes the US Coast Guard, US Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of Environment, Maryland Transpiration Authority, emergency management company Witt O'Brien’s and Maryland State Police.