EPA: Still trying to estimate scope of spill
Source: Charleston Gazette
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Government investigators are still trying to determine exactly how much of a toxic chemical that spilled at the Freedom Industries tank farm along the Elk River soaked into the ground and could later leach into the river, a top U.S. Environmental Protection Agency official said Wednesday evening.
"An investigation is going on to figure out where there might be any materials in the ground, and so far that investigation is still going on," EPA regional administrator Shawn Garvin told The Charleston Gazette.
Asked if that meant officials simply don't know how much of the "Crude MCHM" is still in the soil and could reach the river without proper containment and cleanup measures, Garvin said, "I think that's probably ... we're still investigating to ensure we have a complete answer to that."
Garvin praised state officials and other federal agencies for what he said was a "swift" response to the spill.
Read more: http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201401150024
