The board of aldermen wants a more defined plan of action before moving forward to hire a consulting firm to look at options for utilizing a contaminated well.
The well once served residents in the Mulberry Street area, but officials are wanting to find out the best possible use of the well that was taken off the city’s water supply in 1998.
At that time, traces of trichloroethylene were detected.
TCE is mainly used as an industrial solvent. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to large amounts of TCE can affect the human central system, and has been associated with some types of cancers.
Acting on advice from special legal council, the Camdenton Board of Aldermen rejected a contract to hire the consulting firm during a board meeting Tuesday.
According to Camdenton city administrator Steven Craig, the city’s attorney who specializes in environmental issues recommended the company put in writing a more detailed scope of work and suggested a few additional changes.
According to the proposal submitted by Golder Associates, it could cost at least $15,000 to complete an alternative analysis to select the most suitable remedy for the well and as much as $750,000 for the design and installation of a groundwater treatment system.
Craig said if a contract is worked out, it will be the first time the city has had an environmental firm come up with a list of options of what can be done with the well.
Contact this reporter at charisp@lakesunleader.com