International Paper drills water quality monitoring wells
by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio
July 20, 2010
International Paper is drilling 20 plus additional sampling wells around the city to determine if the creosote pollution plume in the Libby aquifer is migrating.
The number of actual wells drilled will depend on the findings as the wells are drilled and tested.
The creosote pollution problem resulted in the declaration of Libby's original Superfund site. The pollution came from the former mill site pole treating plant. Creosote from the plant leached into the ground water and the aquifer.
In a related item, the City of Libby, will provide base rate gallonage of 3000 gallons of water per month paid for by International Paper as part of a settlement restricting water wells being drilled within the city limits due to the pollution. The water will be distributed over the months of July, August, and September to city water system users living within the city limits. That equals 9000 gallons total.
Rate payers will pay their monthly usage over and above the base 3000 gallons. Sewer will continue to be billed at the normal rate. Dollar wise, International Paper will save each rate payer $78 over the three months.
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Story by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio, www.todaysbestcountryonline.com, e-mail: klcb@frontiernet.net.
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