CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday it is adding the Paden City groundwater site in northern West Virginia to its Superfund National Priorities List.
The list includes hazardous waste sites eligible for remedial cleanup action.
According to the EPA, state officials sought a reference to understand the extent and impact of groundwater contamination. The site includes co-mingled groundwater plumes contaminated with tetrachloroethylene, a chemical widely used in dry cleaning. The EPA considers the chemical as likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
Paden City relies on groundwater as a public water source. Officials detected the chemical in groundwater samples. Two active municipal wells are also contaminated above the EPA’s drinking water standards.
The listing allows the area to receive federal funds for cleanup efforts.