HAFB to redraw its map showing pollution plume

If levels of TCE are high enough, the base offers to outfit the home with a vapor-removal system, essentially a low-wattage fan installed in a basement floor that vents TCE vapors to the outside.

Testing is free, and if TCE is discovered in a home, the Air Force will pay to have a system installed and provide a stipend for the power it uses.

Barbara Hall, the project manager over the Layton plume, known as Operable Unit 8, said it's still too early to give the plume a new drawing. She doesn't plan to redraw the plume's map until she has at least two samples examined.

"Results of indoor air sampling don't necessarily correspond with the historically drawn groundwater plume," which was drawn in 2001, Hall said.

"We've gone back to relook so that we fully understand it," Elliott said.

The base also plans to install two more wells this fall or winter, one northwest of Lincoln Elementary and one directly north of the school.

Dewey Pearce, who lives south of the known boundary of the plume, said he's had his home tested twice and no TCE has been found.

John Burr, who lives up the street, said officials found TCE vapors the first time they tested, and have since come back to retest and found none.

Both men said base officials have been forthright about efforts to monitor and clean up contaminated groundwater, and Pearce added said that technicians are thorough and detailed about their work.

Residents who live near the plume and may be concerned about TCE vapors may request a test of the air in their homes by calling Barbara Fisher at 801-775-3652.

The base plans to hold an InfoFair at Lincoln Elementary, 591 W. 2000 North, on Sept. 18, 5 to 7:30 p.m., that will allow residents to talk to base officials and environmental experts.

If you go. . .

Hill Air Force Base officials will hold an InfoFair to update residents on the Layton plume, known as Operable Unit 8. Residents can talk to Hill representatives and environmental experts.

Where: Lincoln Elementary, 591 W. 2000 North

When: Sept. 18

Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

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E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com