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Show PAGE 4 THE ZEPHYR JANFEB 90 Moabs Gas Plunrae after two years, the nightmare remains by Jim Stiles Websters Collegiate Dictionary defines nightmare as: "a frightening dream, producing a feeling of anxiety or terror, that usually awakens the sleeper. For Robin and Rainy Guymon, and the neighbors, who live near them, their shared nightmare has lasted two years, with no end In sight It has been that long since the Guymons discovered that contamination from a massive gasoline plume, emanating from an unknown source, had made their home unsafe for habitation. For weeks their child complained of stomach pains and both Guymon parents felt IIL They soon discovered their neighbors were suffering from the same symptoms. In February 1988, the Guymons moved out Rumors and stories about leaking gas tanks have circulated In Moab since at least 1986. It was believed by many that the source of the problem rested with one of the service stations located at the corner of Main and 3rd South. In late 1986, employees of Utah Social Services, Walker Drug, and the Medical Center began to complain of headaches and nausea. Eventually the State Building was evacuated. The Walker Drug building was equipped with a ventilation system that was supposed to draw the contaminated gasoline out of the ground and remove fumes from the air. Throughout 1986, Robin and Rainy Guymon paid little attention to the gas plume stories. The Idea that It could drastically change their lives seemed remote and farfetched. In April, 1987, however, Jim Adamson, from the State Health office In Moab, contacted the Guymons for the first time. He was curious whether they or their neighbors had detected any unusual odors. Shortly thereafter, oily spots began to appear on the ground, and the health of the residents In the area began to deteriorate. The State started running tests and taking samples. In the Fall of 1987, the Guymons concern continued to Increase. Hearing that the lead content In their drinking water was five times the level In normally found, Rainy Guymon took a mason Jar of home canned peaches to Adamson. Tests on the fruit also Indicated a 5x normal lead content In the peaches (later according to the Guymons, the high lead content was blamed by the State Health office on her "canning technique). Finally, In November, the Guymons hired an attorney, who three months later, brought a Ph.D. toxicologist and a consultant In Occupational Health and Safety to examine the area. His recommendation was to move out Immediately. Tests revealed a dramatic Increase In benzene levels In the air. What Is a "safe" benzene level? No one really seems to know. To one toxicologist, there is 2 safe level. Bill Moore, of the Utah Bureau of Solid and Hazardous Waste has maintained that "the level set by the EPA toxicologist for benzene was 50.ug (micrograms per cubic meter for a 24 hour exposure In the homes. However, an EPA document prepared by Regional Toxicologist Suzanne Wuerthele, Ph.D seems to contradict that figure. In the memo, Dr Wuerthele states a level of .05ug per cubic meter as "the more acceptable of risk for a residential situation." That's 1000 times less than Moore's recommended safe level. In February 1988, the Guymons moved out of their home. A month later, the State Health Department advised the families that their homes were unsafe. 'The Guymons rented a home several blocks away, while they continued to make house payments on their contaminated house. Meanwhile the State made Its first attempt to clean up the leaking gasoline. According to a State Health Department document, "on January 7, 1988 Emergency Procurement Authorization was applied for to alleviate the problem of exposure In the affected homes and the endangered habitat and surface waters. Sargent Sales and Service and Northern Engineering were contracted and installed the remediation and ventilation system. Later a 2 year term contract was signed with the firm of Metcalf and Eddy. In the summer of 1989, Knut & Sons of Moab participated In the construction of the system as However, according to David Knutson, as late as the end of June, the system was still not made to provide financial relief to the displaced families. to reimburse the famines for their rental reimburse on. of the utility Mil, If the fanJIles agreed to turned on at both their contaminated home and rental property. ern ttie felt this was reasonable, since their empty home used a very srnallamountof electricity. But In June and July of 1988. their power bill Increased withSiXtoe 25JSJS uSs . sub-contract- Grid map of gas plume area. ors. working. Minors must have parent sign a release form at the shop. SKATEBOARD SHOP-.- ' CAB, UTAH SNOWBOARD RENTALS AND SALES lU'j. - |