EPA to test San Fernando Valley groundwater for cancer-causing toxin
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA (BDCi) – The EPA has announced it is going to start drilling new test wells in Burbank and Glendale for the cancer-causing chemical made famous in the movie “Erin Brockovich.”
Residents say the toxic chemical, hexavalent chromium, has been spotted in the groundwater below the area for decades.
While doctors are concerned, the EPA insists the public is not in danger, but still wants to find the source.
At this week’s Glendale city council meeting, the EPA announced it’s conducting new groundwater tests along the interstate, work that will involve drilling up to 30 monitoring wells.
Residents are taking a cue from Erin Brockovich and speaking up.
“We need to scream and raise our voice, to clean up our water,” one resident said.
However officials insist the public is not in danger.
“If they’re using the water from the public drinking water supply, they should not be concerned, EPA project manager Lisa Hanusiak said.
By: Natania Levine Courtesy: ktla.com Photo: ktla.com 1 March 2012
10:35 a.m P.S.T