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Show Cyan Magenta Yellow Black A2 Sanpete Messenger/Gunnison Valley Edition Benzene (Continued from PB) in tandem with the results of those tests. Rather than parts per million or parts per billion, the letter explained benzene concentrations in terms of micrograms (one-millionth of a gram) per cubic meter. That letter lists levels of concentrations that, if exposed to them over certain lengths of time, could result in a one-in-a-million cancer risk (see table). “It ranges from 0.29 micrograms per cubic meter over a 30- year period, all the way up to 8.8 micrograms per cubic meter [over a one-year period],” Hess said. Lab results from Gunnison air samples have shown benzene concentrations ranging from 0.77 micrograms per cubic meter to 4,200 micrograms per cubic meter, Hess said in another interview this week. That measurement, he said, was from the Casino Star Theatre’s basement dirt floor in what Hess called a “hot spot.” He said that the sample yielding the result was collected after the theater had already been closed down, and that such levels were not found in the auditorium or lobby areas. Nevertheless, the measurement points out the hazardous potential of the leak. Typically, the letter accompanying analysis results stated, the common practice following a petroleum release is to reduce benzene exposure levels to those that would yield a less-than onein-a-million risk level for cancer. However, because of back- ground levels of benzene, sometimes that cannot be accomplished. In that case, “benzene concentrations are then cleaned up to levels consistent with concentrations generally found in the area.” Environmental consultants such as Hess and Wasatch Environmental—the company hired by Top Stop and directed by the state to remediate the leak—are still trying to determine background levels in the Gunnison area. (Continued from A1) He indicated earlier this week that he hoped to have such a website up and running by week’s end. Hess said he was continuing to test locations, even, when requested, locations outside the known impact zone of the underground plume. “We explain where the impact zone is and ask if they’d still like a test. We’re still testing without prejudice, but it’s understandable,” he said. Hess described a method, called a residential soil-vapor extraction system, that was being used to clear some buildings of fumes. Simply, a hole is drilled through the concrete floor of the basement of a building, a pipe is inserted down the hole into the ground, and then a vacuum/ blower extracts the vapor and vents it into the atmosphere. Hess said that nine such systems had been requested, and that Wasatch Environmental, the company hired by Top Stop to perform the remediation work under the direction of the state Department of Environmental Quality, had concurred with all nine requests. Until now, focus on toxic chemicals has centered on benzene, a known carcinogen. Coun- cil member Lori Nay, however, asked, “Are there other chemicals that we need to be aware of?” Hess said he had also started to look for naphthalene, which occurs naturally in gasoline. Brad Johnson, director of the DEQ’s Division of Environmental Response and Remediation who also attended the meeting, said that focusing on the most serious contaminant, in this case benzene, is standard. “Even though we test for those other chemicals, we have found that if we take care of the exposures from the most serious chemical, it takes care of the rest as well,” he said. “We are aware that there are others out there that we need to be looking at.” Johnson answered another of Nay’s concerns, which she expressed when saying, “I think it’s time for some new legislation. I have some people that are very interested in some new legislation.” Johnson indicated that he and others at DEQ had already scheduled a meeting to discuss policies and regulations called into question by the incident. “I don’t know [if] legislation is necessary, but perhaps some rule changes,” he said. Cleanup Wednesday, December 12, 2007 Gunnison Good News By Karen Prisbrey 528-7710 A few weeks ago I walked through a home I had lived in more than 40 years ago. It had recently been sold to a developer who has plans of building a complex of condominiums in its place. The home had been vacated earlier in the year and had sustained extensive damage. Whether by vandals or the former occupants, I didn’t know, but I was heartsick at the condition I found it in. Two of my children, Dennis and Stephanie, had come to that home as infants, took their first steps, said their first words, and celebrated their first birthdays and Christmases there. As I strolled through each room expecting to reflect on some of the memories that had been made there, I was dismayed at how dark and dreary the rooms were and that they no longer radiated a glimmer of happiness. What had happened within the walls of this once lovely home in the years since we had left? A lot of change has occurred in our community of late, and most of what has happened isn’t happy, either. Businesses have closed, homes have been vacated, and once valuable properties are now worthless. Is there any glimmer of hope to be found in any of this? Diana Spencer and Lori Nay are moving forward optimistically in restoring the front facade of the Casino Star Theatre. Scaffolding that covered the building two weeks ago came down last week revealing the true artistic character of the building following the removal of layers and layers of old paint. It’s really hard to envision the beauty that lies ahead at this point, but I’m looking forward to seeing what the restoration of moldings, stucco, and gold leafing will do for this historical building. When the facelift is completed it will no longer remind us of these dismal days. Congratulations to Elder Stuart Watson who has been called to serve in the Argentina, Neuquen Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. Elder Watson gave his farewell address at the Gunnison Second Ward on Sunday, Dec. 9, and will enter the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, Dec. 12. Stuart is the son of Chad and Julie Watson who recently moved to Richfield. He is also the grandson of former resident Barbara Reisner who is now living in St. George. Stephanie Young’s daughter Crystal became engaged on Saturday, Nov. 17 to Denny Frost, son of Richard and Kathy Frost of Prescott, Ariz. The couple, now attending BYU, has set a wedding date for May 3, 2008. Dan Young is the father of the bride to be, and her grandparents include Marion and Beverly Young of Gunnison, and Virgil and the late Eva Andersen of Salina. Congratulations to the special couple. Best wishes are extended to Leslie and Jean Larsen who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Monday, Dec. 10. The Larsens are the parents of four children, Leslie Jean Baguley of Mona, Richard of Manti, Ruth (Marshall) Sorenson, and Kent (Pam) Larsen, both of Gunnison. They have eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grand children. Congratulations, Leslie and Jean. A reminder to Gunnison Stake Single Adults, your monthly dinner will be this Thursday, Dec.13 at the Centerfield Church at 6 p.m. Coming up Tuesday, Dec. 18, is the high school Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Wednesday, Dec. 19 is the annual Yule Program at the middle school at 7 p.m. Come out and support the students as they celebrate the holiday season. Snow police looking for projector thieves One of the floats at Ephraim City light parade. Sanpete County (List includes events scheduled at time of publication. Other events will be announced in future editions.) Ephraim Thursday, Dec. 13 Ephraim Middle School Candle Light Program, Eccles Center, 7 p.m. Choir and band will perform. Outstanding students will present the Yule Candle to notable citizens. Nominations accepted at Ephraim Middle School. Monday, Dec. 17 Ephraim Elementary Christmas Concert, Snow College Activities Center, 6:30 p.m. Fairview Dec. 10-22 and 24 Live nativity scene on State Street, 6-8 p.m. Free hot chocolate. Spectators are invited to dress up and participate in the scene. For the finale on Christmas Eve, visitors are invited to dress in Bible or Old English costumes and join in Christmas caroling. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007 Christmas concert at the Fairview Rock Church (100 East 100 North) featuring the “C minor” children’s show choir and the women's community chorus, “Time Out.” Starts at 7 p.m. Fountain Green Monday, Dec. 17 The Sanpete Valley Singers will host a community family home evening at 7 p.m .in Fountain Green at the restored Fountain Green Theatre and Dance Hall. By Kirsten Reimschiissel Monday, Dec. 31 Gunnison LDS Stake New Year’s Eve program, Gunnison Stake Center, details to be announced. Manti Wednesday, Dec. 12 Manti Elementary Christmas program, Manti High School auditorium, 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 19-20 Manti High School Women’s Christmas Concert, Manti High School, 7 p.m. Mt. Pleasant Saturday, Dec. 22 The Big Bucks Drawing and Santa visit will be at the Recreation Center on the corner of Main Street and U.S. 89. Thursday, Dec. 20 Band concert, North Sanpete High School, details to be announced. Monday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve service, First Southern Baptist Church, 2000 South S.R. 117, 7-9 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve service, First Presbyterian Church, 67 S. 100 W., 7 p.m. Moroni Gunnison Thursday, Dec. 13 Band concert, North Sanpete Middle School, details to be announced. Thursday, Dec. 13 Single adults Christmas dinner and program, Centerfield LDS Ward, 6 p.m. Spring City Monday, Dec. 17 Gunnison senior citizens Christmas potluck and program, Gunnison Senior Citizens Center, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18 Christmas band and choir concert, Gunnison Valley High School Auditorium, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19 Yule Program, Gunnison Valley Middle School, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 The Sanpete Valley Singers will perform a combined concert with the Wasatch Bell Choir in a unique setting: a specially prepared large barn. The program begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 Annual Christmas program, at the elementary school, 6:30 p.m. Sterling Monday, Dec. 24 Santa will visit each home on Christmas Eve. Snow College correspondent EPHRAIM—Snow College student Chelsea Stauffer went to an early morning Fitness for Life class at the college’s Activity Center one recent Monday morning to find ceiling tiles bent out of shape and only a few wires and hooks left where ceiling projectors had once been. During two weeks between November and December, projectors were stolen from three different buildings on Snow’s campus: the Activity Center, the Humanities Building and the Social Science Building. “I don’t feel safe in Ephraim anymore,” said Stauffer, recalling the discovery. Police have no leads as to who stole the projectors, and a substantial reward is being of- Signs (Continued from A1) dinance on the books to put up the signs, but he showed UDOT that the required laws were already approved for the whole state. That law will now be enforced at the Sanpete landfills as well as on the roads. It will cost violators an $18 fine the first time, then $36, doubling for each time drivers take an uncovered load to the dump. Arrested (Continued from A1) sites included Manti, Moroni, Ephraim, Nephi, Salina, Riverton and Reno, Nev. Gardner admitted to being the driver and lookout in the Salina, Riverton and Reno incidents, police said. Thrash, Castaneda and Cummings appeared before the Sixth District Court in Manti on Dec. 5. Thrash and Castaneda were fered in return for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the burglars. “It is important for those with information to contact [me], Snow police, the dispatch, or call an anonymous tip line,” said, Officer Bob Wright of Snow College Public Safety. “Snow College police would really like some help from the students.” Wright also mentioned that the projectors are worth several thousand dollars, but that the thieves probably will not get that value on the street. “It is very important we get them back so students don’t suffer next semester,” said Wright. The police department will continue to work on the case until the burglars are caught, Wright said. “Our responsibility is to do all that we can to protect the students,” he said. “If you take garbage to the dump and it’s in an uncovered pickup, you can expect to be fined, and the fine will double each time you forget,” Bringhurst said. The solution is simple and important, he said. Cover loads. Don’t take a chance of dumping material on the road, even if it is only a “quick trip” to the dump. primarily responsible for the burglaries, according to police reports, but Cummings had served an equivocal role to Gardner in the Manti, Moroni and Riverton incidents, said police. Sevier County Attorney Dale Eyre said the Salina incident appeared to be the only incident the men were involved with in Sevier County. |