http://www.mariettatimes.com/news/story/new54_34200615816.asp
March 4, 2006
The Marietta Times (Ohio)
Belpre’s C8 filtration system in
use
By Pamela Brust
BELPRE — As the one-year anniversary of the settlement
in the C8 lawsuit passed this week, the second C8 water filtration
system, located in Belpre, went into operation Tuesday.
The filtration systems are planned for the six affected water
districts of Belpre, Little Hocking, Chester/Tuppers Plains and
Pomeroy in Ohio, and Mason County, and Lubeck in West Virginia.
Belpre Public Works Superintendent Mike Betz said, "It is
operating, but not fully operational. We could be going back to
the regular system at any time, if needed, but right now it’s
running.”
The filters are being constructed by DuPont
Washington, W.Va., Works as part of the year-old settlement
in a lawsuit alleging ammonium perfluorooctonate (commonly called
C8), used in the production of Teflon at the Washington Works
plant, was being discharged into area waters causing health concerns.
DuPont has contended and continues to contend C8 has no adverse
health effects on humans.
Also as part of the settlement, DuPont is paying for testing
now under way in the six water districts. Brookmar Inc. officials,
coordinating the testing process, say 70,000 individuals will
be tested. A three-member science panel, agreed upon by both sides,
will then review the studies and medical information to formulate
findings regarding health effects of C8, if any are determined.
The GAC (granular activated carbon) treatment
facility in Pomeroy was brought on line Feb. 8, according
to Charleston, W.Va., lawyer Harry Deitzler, one of the plaintiff’s
attorneys.
"We are really pleased the Pomeroy and Belpre systems are
up and operating. It is a significant milestone in the implementation
of the Leach (C8 lawsuit) litigation settlement," said Robin
Ollis, with the DuPont plant.
Ollis said the Tuppers Plains/Chester filtration system facility
will be the third one to go on line, and that is expected to happen
within the next few weeks. The Little Hocking, Lubeck and Mason
County, W.Va. facilities are also in the works, she said.
Copyright © 2006 — The Marietta Times
