KBIA Local
(2008-09-19)
COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is investigating the contamination of a well used by a school in Moniteau County. A well at High Point R-3 School has unhealthy levels of benzene. For the past nine years the DNR has monitored the school's water. It's been above the maximum contamination level allowed off and on over the years. The DNR will begin digging test wells next month to try to find the source. Laura Luther is with the Department of Natural Resources. She says the contamination could be caused by a few different sources."Underground storage tanks located near by; we also know that there were above ground storage tanks located near by, um in different areas. There was also a rumor that there may have been a junkyard in the area as well."
The DNR decided to fund a new well because of the latest results showing elevated benzene levels. In the meantime students, faculty, and staff at high point are drinking bottled water.
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