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Title: A HISTORY OF THE FACTORS LEADING TO
THE CURRENT CONTAMINATION OF THE ALKALI LAKE CHEMICAL
WASTE SITE IN LAKE COUNTY, OREGON
Author:
Anton A. Chiono
Abstract:
The geology and physiography
of Alkali Lake in Lake County, Oregon contributed to its selection as a chemical waste
storage facility in the late 1960s.
Isolated and arid, the site was determined to be ideal for the storage
and disposition of hazardous chemical wastes.
Contamination from unsafe storage and disposal practices led to the
acquisition of the site by the state in 1975.
Failed attempts to force abatement of the site by responsible parties
resulted in state remedial efforts in 1976.
Approximately 25,000 corroding drums of waste were bulldozed into
unlined trenches on the site during initial remediation by a private
contractor. Subsequent groundwater
monitoring revealed the development of a contaminant plume in the shallow
groundwater aquifer. Local inhabitants
became concerned about the safety of their groundwater supplies as evidence
of contamination emerged. However, an
assessment of historical monitoring data suggests the plume has not
substantially increased in the past decade, findings that are supported by
current monitoring results. Despite
active remediation projects by the DEQ, the Alkali Lake site remains highly controversial among local
residents.
Key
References:
Oregon DEQ. 1992. Alkali Lake Long Term Monitoring Program Quality Assurance
Plan, Environmental Cleanup Division. Unpublished report.
Newton, V.C., Jr., and Braggs, D. 1971. Geologic
evaluation of Alkali Lake disposal site. Open File Report, 1 July 1971, 1972 Supplement. Oregon Department of Geology and
Minerals Industry. 58 pp. As cited in PTI v.2 July 1990.
PTI Environmental Services.
February 1990. Alkali Lake Disposal Area Remedial Investigation and
Feasibility Study Work Plan v.1 for Oregon DEQ, Environmental Cleanup
Division. Unpublished report.
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