Wyo. Missile Site Likely Contaminated Water

[livvy]

Wyo. Missile Site Likely Contaminated Water

The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Dec 13, 2008 15:31:22 EST

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A recent federal report says a Cold War-era missile site near Cheyenne is the likely source of contamination in the city’s drinking water supply.

The report, which was released last week to some government officials, says there’s likely a connection between a chemical used at the Atlas No. 4 missile site west of town and contamination in city water wells.

“We have been able to confirm the probable connection between the source of the contamination and the wells,” said Paul Johnston, public affairs officer for the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which includes Cheyenne.

Cheyenne officials say Cheyenne drinking water is safe. The city has spent thousands of dollars removing trichloroethylene, or TCE, from the water since it was discovered about a decade ago.

The military used TCE during the Cold War to clean and lubricate nuclear missiles near Cheyenne. The chemical can affect the nervous system and cause liver and kidney damage in people.

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http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_missilesite_121308/%2e