Attorney questions tests showing safety of water near former Henry Co. power plant
MONTROSE, Mo. (KCTV) - State testing shows drinking water near the site of a former power plant is safe, but an attorney says those tests may not be enough.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources released results of it’s testing on Feb. 3. The testing focused on the area near the Montrose Generating Station Utility Waste Landfill in Henry County.
Two class action lawsuit, filed last month claim Fly Ash dust from the facility contaminated the soil and water. The lawsuits name Evergy and the three other companies.
The state collected soil samples from the Davis R-XII school property on Jan. 25. Those samples have been tested and compared to levels recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the DNR, those results show:
- No detection of hexavalent chromium in soil tested
- Soil samples below levels for all contaminants except arsenic
- Samples show elevated levels of arsenic
- Working on plan to handle impacted soil
- Arsenic does occur naturally, according to DNR
The DNR also tested the public water systems near the landfill.
- No identifiable issues for lead, selenium or arsenic in water
- Levels for metals are in compliance with regulatory standards
Kenneth McClain represents plaintiffs involved in a class action lawsuit over the property.
He said they appreciate the state taking action, but he said that doesn’t mean people living in the area are safe.
“We appreciate the preliminary testing, but it’s not the answer to questions is our class area safe. The established levels don’t mean safe Any exposure to carcinogens is a danger. We plan further testing, including groundwater, not necessarily just the drinking water,” McClain said.
There are future meetings planned concerning the contamination concerns.
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