Mapleton can now apply for money from the trust fund, managed by DEQ executive director Dianne Nielson, for use in projects to restore or replace the contaminated water. According the settlement agreement, the DEQ could require Ensign-Bickford to be a joint applicant with Mapleton for such funds, but Nielson said it won't be required at this time.

Nielson said work at the site has gone well so far. The on-site soil cleanup, which involved high-tech machinery to separate contaminants from the soil and then vaporize them, is complete. Some highly contaminated soil, which could not be treated on-site, is still being shipped out for treatment elsewhere.

"We're pleased with the progress there," Nielson said. "Obviously, this has been a continuing problem that has impacted a lot of people ... but I think we've been able to find some effective solutions and (Ensign-Bickford) has moved forward to help implement them."

While the soil cleanup is nearly complete, Nielson said the water cleanup is a much more complex issue and will likely not be completed for another 20 years.

"I don't think there's anyone who would say this is an easy process or that we're anywhere near done," she said.

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E-mail: jtwitchell@desnews.com