CHARLESTON, W.Va. (May 25, 2018) – PCB’s were not detected in tests performed on the contents of an underground storage tank discovered by a contractor digging a trench for a sewer line near Minden, but the tests did show elevated levels of compounds found in petroleum products such as diesel and gasoline.
The lab tests showed elevated levels of acetone, benzene, and toluene and low levels of other chemicals such as naphthalene.
Five samples were tested – one liquid and one soil sample from inside the tank and three soil samples from the perimeter of the tank. The samples were tested for PCB’s (Aroclors), volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, pesticides and herbicides, and flammability.
The lab results can be viewed here.
The tank, which was drained and removed by the WVDEP’s Homeland Security and Emergency Response division, is estimated to be between 80 and 100 years old. It is unknown how long the tank was underground before it was discovered by the contractor. WVDEP is awaiting additional sampling results of the soil beneath the tank to determine possible further remedial action in the immediate area where the tank was discovered.