Contaminants found in landfill test wells

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners learned Monday night that two of the county's four test wells at the former landfill have been contaminated by inorganic compounds.

County Manager Don Adams told the commission that the compounds have been identified in two of the shallow test wells, one on the southwestern end of the property and the other on the northwestern end.

The wells test surface ground water, not the water table, which is typically much deeper. For instance, the wells average about 40 feet deep, while typical home wells can range from 100 feet up to 400 feet deep.

However, no information is currently available showing that the compounds have entered wells in the area or the water table.

In a letter dated Feb. 27 to residents of Osborne Road, the only inhabitants within close range of the landfill, Adams wrote, "It is unclear at this time if any of these compounds have left the county's property. In order to determine this, we are requesting that you allow the health department to collect data on your household water supply." The testing will be done free of charge and will cost the county an estimated $800 to $1,000.

Danny Staley, director of the Appalachian District Health Department, also sent a letter to residents of the area noting that he does not feel the residents are in serious immediate danger.

"At this time, we do not feel the levels detected warrant immediate action and pose little health threat," Staley wrote.

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