Current:Home > StocksOrder not to use tap water in West Virginia community enters fourth week after plant malfunction-InfoLens
Order not to use tap water in West Virginia community enters fourth week after plant malfunction
View Date:2024-12-23 15:30:33
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A notice ordering residents of a northern West Virginia community not to use their tap water entered its fourth week Wednesday after a treatment-plant malfunction allowed the release of a hazardous solvent.
Dr. Matt Christiansen, the state’s health officer, said preliminary findings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed tetrachloroethylene in the water serving the community of Paden City along the Ohio River.
Tetrachloroethylene is a harmful chemical widely used by dry cleaners. Paden City officials have said a dry cleaner in the town of about 2,500 residents closed early this century.
The city issued the “do not use” order on Aug. 16 after a pump valve malfunctioned at a water treatment plant. City officials said the issue was fixed then while testing on the water continued.
Christiansen said the order will remain in effect “until there’s no doubt in our minds that the chemical has been fully flushed from the system. In the meantime, we understand everyone’s frustration at the local level and concern with the situation. But our goal remains getting that water back on and doing it safely.”
Last year, the EPA added Paden City’s groundwater to a national Superfund cleanup priority list. Sites are added to the list when contamination poses significant human health and environmental risks. They are then eligible to receive federal funding for long-term cleanup projects.
At the time, untreated groundwater collected in Paden City was discovered to contain tetrachloroethylene at levels higher than the federally allowed limit, the EPA said. The agency says tetrachloroethylene is a likely carcinogen and can harm an individual’s nervous system, liver, kidneys and reproductive system.
Tetrachloroethylene had been detected in Paden City’s water system since around 2010 at levels below maximum allowable standards The city was assessed a violation notice in December 2018 after the levels exceeded the federally allowed limit.
Paden City’s new water treatment plant debuted in May 2020.
“This is an EPA Superfund site, and they’re the lead agency,” Gov. Jim Justice said Wednesday. “Sometimes federal agencies move a lot slower than what we want to move.”
veryGood! (65)
Related
- Here's what 3 toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year
- Trump immunity claim taken up by Supreme Court, keeping D.C. 2020 election trial paused
- Michigan’s largest Arab American cities reject Biden over his handling of Israel-Hamas war
- James Beard Foundation honors 'beloved' local restaurants with America's Classics: See who won
- Opinion: NFL began season with no Black offensive coordinators, first time since the 1980s
- Gonzaga faces critical weekend that could extend NCAA tournament streak or see bubble burst
- Secret Service paid over $12 million for a year's protection of 2 Trump advisers from potential Iranian threats
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore lays out plan to fight child poverty
- This is Your Sign To Share this Luxury Gift Guide With Your Partner *Hint* *Hint
- Who might replace Mitch McConnell? An early look at the race for the next Senate GOP leader
Ranking
- Mechanic dies after being 'trapped' under Amazon delivery van at Florida-based center
- Climate change, cost and competition for water drive settlement over tribal rights to Colorado River
- Coinbase scrambles to restore digital wallets after some customers saw $0 in their accounts
- Richard Lewis, comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm star, dies at age 76
- Dave Coulier Says He's OK If This Is the End Amid Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Battle
- Sally Rooney has a new novel, ‘Intermezzo,’ coming out in the fall
- Visitors line up to see and smell a corpse flower’s stinking bloom in San Francisco
- Unwrapping the Drama Behind the Willy Wonka-Inspired Experience
Recommendation
-
Darren Criss on why playing a robot in 'Maybe Happy Ending' makes him want to cry
-
Older US adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend
-
How does IVF actually work? Plus what the process is like and how much it costs.
-
Proof Kristin Cavallari’s New Relationship With 24-Year-Old Mark Estes is Heating Up
-
Kelly Rowland and Nelly Reunite for Iconic Performance of Dilemma 2 Decades Later
-
Reputed mobster gets four years in prison for extorting NYC labor union
-
Michigan’s largest Arab American cities reject Biden over his handling of Israel-Hamas war
-
Stacy Wakefield dies less than 5 months after her husband, World Series champion Tim Wakefield