At one point, Wright suspected New City's dry cleaning chemicals were leaking into city wells, but tests failed to show a connection, he said. There is a risk of exposure from direct contact with the soil, according to cleanup documents. But they say that risk is small, as is the risk of contaminated storm water running off site and harming fish in the Columbia River. It was not clear Tuesday how much cleanup will cost. Work is supposed to start this summer and be done by the end of the year.
Plans are to monitor ground water after the soil is removed.
Cleanup documents are at the Richland Library. The Ecology Department is taking comments on the proposal through July 30. Copyright 1999 Tri-City Herald. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.