Tests of Pavillion groundwater show levels of carcinogen benzene at 50 times the EPA limit

From the Billings Gazette:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has found high levels of benzene and other chemicals in the latest groundwater samples from a community within a gas field.

A variety of chemicals and high levels of methane turned up in two wells drilled specifically to test for pollution in the central Wyoming community of Pavillion.

The carcinogen benzene measured as high as 50 times the EPA limit, according to a report released at an EPA public meeting Wednesday night in Pavillion.

Elevated levels of diesel- and gasoline-grade organic compounds also were found.

Meanwhile, the EPA has sampled 42 domestic water wells to date, finding methane in 10 wells and a chemical called 2-butoxyethanol phosphate in nine.

The EPA told the 50 or so attendees at the meeting that people with polluted water should not use it for cooking and drinking and should ventilate their bathrooms while bathing or showering.

The warning also was issued in Pavillion last year.

Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_06f19c56-0bea-11e1-85f1-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1dSfeGd44