[CPEO-MEF] McClellan focuses on toxic cleanup

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California
THE SACRAMENTO BEE
McClellan focuses on toxic cleanup
A new system extracts the metal chromium 6 from groundwater before it
reaches nearby creeks.
By Dirk Werkman
Published 2:15 a.m. PDT Thursday, August 7, 2003

A type of chromium once used by the Air Force has been reduced in
groundwater at McClellan Park with the help of a $1 million version of a
home water filter system.

Called hexavalent chromium and also known as chromium 6, the metal was
used by the Air Force at McClellan in painting and in steel hardening
and plating for aircraft.

Chromium 6 is known to be a carcinogen when inhaled, but scientists
remain divided over its health effects in groundwater.

The metal normally is found in the environment but is considered a
potential problem at levels above 10 parts per billion, said Dawn Young,
McClellan environmental community relations manager for the Air Force
Real Property Agency.

Air Force officials began several months ago to lower the amounts of
chromium when levels of the metal were found at 12 parts per billion,
Young said. The Air Force Real Property Agency is in charge of the
cleanup, although the Air Force vacated the base July 13, 2001.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/community_news/antelope_north_sacramento/story/7177473p-8124451c.html

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