Reprint from the Progress Times - April 25, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

U.S. EPA Region 6 to host community meeting

 

The public is invited to attend an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) community meeting on Thursday, May 1, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Helena Chemical Company site where EPA officials will be on hand to answer the community’s questions regarding cleanup efforts.

Dave Bary, spokesman for the EPA Region 6 says the meeting is simply an opportunity for the EPA to let the citizens know what’s been going on.

"This is a meeting to answer all and any questions the residents of Mission have about the EPA’s cleanup and demolition of the remaining structure," said Bary. "The agency routinely holds community meetings and open houses at various cleanup sites before we begin cleanup, during and certainly after so as to keep nearby residents completely informed of our cleanup activities."

According to Bary, the primary concern for residents in the area was the possibility of contamination under the concrete slabs that supported the old mixing batch plant.

"The EPA agreed to return to demolish the old mixing batch plant as well as remove the slabs supporting the old structure and test the soil," said Bary. "Most of the soil under the mixing batch plant was found to be non hazardous but one section was found to be contaminated."

That section of soil was removed with new dirt put in its place.

The meeting will be held at Marcell Elementary School on 1101 North Holland, Mission. Spanish translation will be provided.