Bobcat skid-steer loader adapted for Mexia store cleanup, 1999. The store was abandoned with all food inside left to rot in the summer heat. Contamination and toxic fumes buildup was so strong that hazmat team had to use loader equipped with air tanks and a breathing apparatus for operator.

It was decided that the building can’t be simply demolished or burned down due to the risk of vermin escaping, invading the nearby community, and spreading bacterial infections. Before fumigating the building with strong pesticides, workers had to remove rotting food with shovels, pack it into hazmat bags and move it from the store with skid-steer loaders. Workers had to wear hazmat suits with breathing apparatuses, and undergo decontamination before leaving the site.