BURLINGTON, N.C. — The U.S. Army used a plant in Burlington, North Carolina, to build missile parts after World War II. However, the facility has been vacant for decades finally closing in 1992. Now, years later after several investigations, the Army announced the ground soil at the site is contaminated.
The Army began investigating the Tarheel Army Missile Plant in 2016. Following initial assessments, the Army grew concerned after discovering a potentially cancer-causing chemical, Trichloroethylene had seeped into the soil.
It began collecting soil and injecting a remediation compound into the Northwest portion of the property in February.
"We are concerned and we keep collecting data to reassure that in our initial investigation, there is no unexplored and no quantified pathway, and that's what we base our statement of residents not being exposed," said Sue Murphy of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
It began collecting soil and injecting a remediation compound into the Northwest portion of the property in February. However, the Army said it doesn't believe the contamination levels are high enough to be harmful. The chemical in question was once used as a degreaser.
"Some of those degreasers were spilled onto the soil and entered the groundwater, and that's what we've been cleaning up this past year," said Don Malone, a contractor from Terracon.
Just a few feet from the plant sits the Western Charcoal Steakhouse. However, the owner who's been there for 53 years said he's not worried for his health.
"Nothing. I had my property checked because I had a loan at that time and found my property clear, so it was good I didn't have to worry about that," Jon Bakatsras said.
However, some residents living north of the plant remain concerned. The Army assures the public it is working to decontaminate the soil and prevent further spread. They also acknowledge a lapse in communication with the community.
"There's a process in place to protect public health, but we have failed a little bit in communicating with the public. That's something we want to address," said Nathan Edwards of the U.S. Army Environmental Command. However, they are asking people who live nearby to join its Restoration Advisory Board. That group of citizens would work alongside the Army giving them insight into how the remediation process is progressing.
There is currently no timeline as to when the Army expects to complete the project.
While the Army maintains that the contamination levels are not dangerous to nearby residents, many neighbors are skeptical. One resident stated that he has been buying bottled water for years, not taking any chances with the local water supply.
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