Benzene News
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"Gas Spill in Gunnison Causes Concern" January 17, 2008 Recent reports claim that a gas spill that occurred in Gunnison, Utah, is continuing to pose a risk for residents of the small town. The town was reportedly put at risk when a storage tank leaked an estimated 20,000 gallons of fuel into the ground last summer. The fumes supposedly sent harmful fumes into homes and businesses throughout the downtown area. Meeting Held to Create Cleanup Plan Officials met earlier this week with residents to discuss the extent of the leak and address what has been done so far in the cleanup process. Wind River Petroleum, the company that owned the leaky tank is being required by state regulators to propose a long-term plan to address the gas fumes and their effect on those living and working in the contaminated areas. Families Driven from Homes According to reports, several families have already been driven from their homes due to the strong odor of gasoline and risk of benzene exposure. At least six businesses have been shut down and will remain closed until the fumes cease and exposure is no longer a risk. Cleanup Overdue The Utah Medical Association (UMA) voiced concerns earlier last month about the prolonged cleanup. The agency was critical stating that there was a “seeming lack of progress and/or speed” in the cleanup. “We understand that some initial reports of benzene levels may have recently been reported to certain individual businesses/homes but have not reported to the city or even to the DEQ,” wrote Mark N. Bair, the president of the UMA to Rick Sprott, the director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. “This lack of information has people in Gunnison and their physicians worried.” (Source: The Salt Lake Tribune) Have you been wrongfully exposed to benzene? Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who will ensure that you are compensated for any injuries. |