Downtown Billings area one step closer to becoming federal Superfund site
An 855-acre plume of contaminated groundwater between central and downtown
"Federal dollars will allow for a more comprehensive investigation, more sampling and analysis, along with putting together a feasibility study of options," said
In 1993, the
Historically popular with dry cleaners, PCE can be used as both a fabric cleaner and degreasing agent for metals. Inside the contaminated area sits Central Avenue Laundry at its western edge, Big
According to the EPA, chlorinated solvents like PCE vaporize from groundwater and accumulate indoors. Those breathing the contaminated air can have the immediate consequence of nausea, as well as long-term illnesses like kidney and liver damage.
For years, local and state officials have worked to add the site to the
Writing on behalf of the
"The EPA and DEQ have been looking at this site for a long, long time. Together, the agencies determined that we'd come to a place where adding it as a Superfund site would be the best step forward. ... There's already been a lot done, a lot of data collected over the years, so we wouldn't be starting from scratch," Chergo said.
Starting Thursday,
If accepted, the site will join 17 others across the state of
Closer to home, groundwater in Lockwood became contaminated with benzene and chlorinated solvents used to clean truck trailers, affecting local supply wells. The 580-acre site was added to the Superfund program in
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