Downtown Laramie Tested for Pollutant

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — State environmental crews are testing an area of downtown Laramie for potential contaminants in the soil, soil vapors and groundwater.

The Laramie Daily Boomerang reported Monday the investigation was prompted by a 1998 environmental assessment of a downtown site that found tetrachloroethene, also called PCE.

Federal officials say some people who drink water containing excess PCE over long periods could develop liver problems and cancer.

The state Department of Environmental Quality says testing wasn't done sooner because the site wasn't high on its priority list.

Cindi Martinez, a program manager for DEQ, says she doesn't expect to find levels of PCE that cause concern but it's too early to say.

Crews have drilled wells to collect soil and groundwater samples and installed permanent monitoring wells.