Feb. 11--NORFOLK -- Firefighters determined that an odor that was causing employees to feel sick at the transfer station in the 3100 block of Woodland Ave. likely was caused by a load of trash that was brought into the facility.
The Southeastern Public Service Authority building was evacuated and firefighters were called about 9:15 a.m., said Capt. Mike Hicks, Norfolk Fire-Rescue spokesman.
Hazardous materials experts who checked the air found flammable gas that could have either been methane from decomposing trash or a propane cylinder that could have been punctured, Hicks said.
Employees reported that the odor was making some people gag and causing eye and throat irritation.
Workers were moving the last batch of trash that entered the facility. The Department of Environmental Quality will determine where the trash will be moved.
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