Receding waters will provide better access in coming days, air and water testing data accessible
(Billings, Mont --, July 10, 2011) As the 2nd week of the oil spill cleanup begins, E.P.A. staff are optimistic about receding water levels in the Yellowstone River, which will allow access to previously inaccessible portions of the river.
This news comes as data becomes accessible from testing and monitoring conducted last week. A map for both water and air monitoring data is now accessible at http://www.epa.gov/yellowstoneriverspill. The validated data confirms preliminary information indicating the water is safe and shows no elevated levels above instrument detection for volatile organic compounds.
"We are continuing to do air sampling and are ramping up water sampling in domestic wells," said Steve Merritt, E.P.A. On-Scene Coordinator. "We want to screen every drinking water well within the heaviest affected area between Laurel and Billings as quickly as possible and move down river from there."
There are hundreds of wells in the area, and EPA's testing priority is domestic drinking water wells to protect human health. As such, E.P.A. will initially screen wells that provide drinking water at homes and businesses in the impacted area.
As part of the requirements of the Administrative Order issued by E.P.A. to ExxonMobil on July sixth, ExxonMobil has delivered a outline work project to EPA. The work project contains seven key elements, and E.P.A. has determined that three of those elements are incomplete and need technical clarification and scope of work definition. E.P.A. has presented details on deficiencies to ExxonMobil and expects a response within one week.
E.P.A. is working to complete a Pollution Removal Backing Authorization (PRFA) for Montana Fish Wildlife and Game (MFWG). This will allow MFWG to participate in the shoreline assessments and final shoreline cleanup approval.
The public meeting to be held in Laurel, Montana this week has been moved from Tuesday to Wednesday at 6:30 PM, location to be determined. Media availability sessions will continue to be held by E.P.A. daily at eleven a.m. The session will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located at 27 North 27th Street in Billings, Conference Room five (3rd floor).
Press inquiries: [email protected]
Website: http://www.epa.gov/yellowstoneriverspill
