MINDEN, W.Va. — A project that would have gone from the old Arbuckle PSD sewer plant to the Oak Hill sewer plant was halted Monday by Governor Jim Justice.
On Friday, Governor Justice released a statement saying he was ready to endorse a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendation to place the former Shaffer Equipment site in Minden on the National Priorities List of Superfund sites.
The location is known to have high levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), listed as a possible carcinogen.
“The EPA has been in control of this site for more than 25 years and the ball is still in their court,” said Governor Justice. “Representatives of our Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have been actively involved with the EPA for the last six months to get answers because the health and safety of West Virginians is a priority for me.”
The EPA conducted testing on the site last summer for PCBs and dioxin after concerns from residents. Results released in October revealed that there were positive tests for PCBs.
On Monday, Governor Justice announced he was halting the sewer line project immediately pending a final report expected to come out late February or early March from the EPA.
“It’s a shame that this has been going on for decades and that it hasn’t been fixed,” said Governor Justice. “We want it taken care of right this time and I intend to see that through.”
The EPA has had control of the location, known as the former site of Shaffer Equipment, for over 25 years.