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New Vapor System to Get Rid of Eight Mile Stink

Reported by: John Dzenitis
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Updated: 11/07/2012 10:48 pm
(EIGHT MILE, Ala.) - Consultants hired by Mobile Gas have installed a new system of pipes and pumps to get rid of the butyl mercaptan spill plaguing Eight Mile.

Residents took Local 15 to the spill site tucked back in the woods to check out the aeration and vapor capture system.

“It’s good to see they’re trying to do whatever they can,” Eight Mile resident Jeremiah Hollins said, “But I still don’t have confidence in what they’re doing.”

Mobile Gas put the system in under pressure from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, after residents started to complain about the foul odor more than a year ago. Residents say the smell, resembling rotten eggs or green onions, has been so potent that they’re starting to have health issues including nausea, respiratory problems, and rashes.

ADEM said the system was installed and operational since October 12. An ADEM hydrogeologist inspected the system on October 24 and November 6, and determined it appears to be in working order.

ADEM said they will keep a close watch over the situation to make sure Mobile Gas remedies the problem. Soil and groundwater testing results are due in January to determine the extent of the contamination.


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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Local 15

flamekiller - 11/8/2012 4:42 PM
0 Votes
I suppose releasing a mustard or nerve agent should result in less complaints. May have some backlash though. just sayin

Noodie1 - 11/8/2012 8:41 AM
0 Votes
What a joke! I'm no rocket scientist but I know you can run all the fans and vapor systems you want but the source is still there. You had just as well ave told all the affected residents to hold their noses and still get the same effect. Until the source is removed, nothing has changed! I can't beleive that the people in the area are going along with this so called fix. The gas companies are going to continue to deny wrong doing and string this thing out for as many years as they can, hoping that the problem will be forgotten and go away. In the mean time, whatever health effects are caused by this chemical will continue to do the same damage as without the vent system. It would be funny if it weren't so dangerous. Don't sit back & wait for one of the companies to admit fault because they aren't going to do it until you physically rub their noses in it! For all we know, the stuff may have already made it to the Mobile water supply. You know it's got to be in some of the private wells in close proximity to the site already. I guess when it does finally start showing up in Mobiles' water supply, it may finally sink in to all the people and finally get the attention needed. This is not only Prichards' problem but Mobiles' also.
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