Bluefield Daily Telegraph in Bluefield, West Virginia

Cleanup plan approved for Allegany Ballistics Laboratory site

Federal authorities approve a 13.9 acre cleanup at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center Mineral County with costs over 10 million dollars. Toxins including metals explosives dioxins and VOCs sit in the soil at the Northern Riverside Waste Disposal Area and munitions tests may have rocket propellants. The plan aims to reduce groundwater and North Branch Potomac River contamination while long term monitoring addresses river bank erosion and potential toxin release. A final decision bars residential housing schools child care facilities and playgrounds outside the active burning area. Disruptions from heavy equipment and dust are anticipated during cleanup with traffic diversions and dust suppression measures planned.