|
|
Pesticide contamination monitoredDEADWOOD, S.D. (AP)--A U.S. Forest Service official says water toxin levels in the Nemo area of the northern Black Hills appear to be falling. Rusty Wilder informed the Lawrence County Commission that the federal agency continues to monitor the Nemo site for contamination from a pesticide that was used in the 1970s to kill pine beetles. The Forest Service mixed ethylene dibromide with diesel fuel and sprayed trees to combat the pests. Several wells in Nemo were contaminated by the pesticide, which was outlawed by the federal government after years of use in the forest and agriculture sectors. Pollution that resulted in the Nemo area was not discovered until 1994, when drinking water started showing elevated levels of the chemical. Barrels of the pesticide were dumped and buried in the forest, but no one can remember where. The Forest Service installed a central well system for property owners affected by the pollution, and the agency continues to test groundwater. Wilder says the agency has also installed a water-treatment system that uses activated carbon. Although toxin levels are dropping, he says it'll take a long time to eliminate them. 6/2/08 Date: 6/13/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
