But that created a problem. This chemical spreads quickly when mixed into groundwater, which happens with leaky underground storage tanks all the time. Almost every state in the nation has found MTBE in their ground water. California alone has 10,000 MTBE-contaminated sites. This will undoubtedly be proven to be the worst single area with MTBE problems affecting drinking water.
Studies are now underway to determine the human health risk.
As for who's responsible, the oil companies say their hands were tied. Until Congress acts to fix the mess, the problem will be addressed state by state, lawsuit by lawsuit. Copyright 2000, CBS Worldwide Inc., All Rights Reserved.