So far, the contamination has not been detected in nearby city wells, but Pantex is providing drinking water to six families as a precaution. Since the incident, the DOE has provided more information about groundwater problems and is working to determine the extent of contamination. In the wake of the incident, former Energy Secretary Bill Richardson ordered DOE experts to investigate why the contamination was not reported more quickly. A subsequent DOE report found that Pantex's water-monitoring methods were inadequate and plant officials failed to follow proper procedures for reporting groundwater contamination. The plant was named the 29th Superfund site in Texas in 1994 after being proposed for the program in 1991.
Sites listed on the Superfund are among the most toxic in the nation.
Plant officials now are asking the EPA to remove Pantex from the Superfund program, citing progress in plant cleanup. In 1991, when the EPA sought the Superfund designation for Pantex, the agency cited plant practices including burning chemicals in unlined pits, burying wastes in unlined landfills and discharging wastes into on-site surface waters. They will not be made public. If you'd like a response, you must supply a valid e-mail address. This form is for questions about the story above.