Tests Said to Find Formaldehyde in West Virginia Tap Water 

By: Michael Wines


In Charleston, West Virginia, a chemical spill had occurred which ended up affecting more than they thought did. (Wines). About a week after the chemical spill, tests that were taken showed traces of formaldehyde. This was occurring in the city's water system which meant bad news. At this point, the city is still unsure will all of the affects from this spill and what is next for the future. Scott Simonton, a member from the Environmental Quality Board, told the news that people were reporting that they could smell the formaldehyde while taking a shower. Simonton had "said the formaldehyde was a product of the breakdown of the leaked coal-washing chemical, commonly known as MCHM." (Wines 1).

"The secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection, Randy C. Huffman, said the government did not know whether the formaldehyde was related to the chemical spill or whether it was an isolated instance linked to the restaurant where it was found." (Wines 1). Many other people have also been saying that this has been a reoccurring problem that has been going on and that there was more than one chemical spill in this city. As a result of this spill, people in the city are starting to panic and are lacking patience for more information from the government. They have their health to worry about, along with their children and other family members. In the end, "Governor Earl Ray Tomblin ordered the company responsible for the spill, Freedom Industries, to remove the cluster of aboveground storage tanks on the banks of the Elk River, where the spill occurred." (Wines 1).



http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/us/tests-said-to-find-formaldehyde-in-west-virginia-tap-water.html