CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A heavy metal in Casper’s water could become a $50 million hurdle when a permit for the city’s wastewater treatment plant goes up for review in 2018.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports (https://bit.ly/2iR1pef) the Department of Environmental Quality will determine whether selenium levels require a new multimillion-dollar treatment facility.
Selenium can break off from a shale formation beneath much of Natrona County and get into groundwater.
High levels can be toxic to humans and wildlife.
Officials work with landowners to reduce selenium levels.
Lisa Ogden of the county conservation district says levels have dropped since the 1990s.
She said the last 15 years of testing show three instances when the North Platte River exceeded the federal selenium limit.
Councilman Charlie Powell said the hope is that levels fall further in 2017.
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Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, https://www.trib.com
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