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EPA has allocated nearly $6 million in the past year to clean up the Ace Sendees
Site, and has already spent more than $2.2 million m total to demolish buildings on
the site, remove and dispose of contaminated soil, begin construction of the
groundwater treatment plant, and install the extraction well and piping system.

The Agency will release additional funding this year to complete construction
of the plant.

EPA Supports Community Needs

EPA has taken action to inform and seek input from the citizens of Colby
throughout EPA's and KDHE's efforts to address the area's contamination. In
addition to interviewing community members to determine their primary concerns
about the site, EPA Region 7 and KDHE held two public meetings to answer
questions and hear comments on proposed cleanup actions. EPA and KDHE keep
residents updated through fact sheets and media briefings, and EPA officials are available
to the public through an 800-number. In working with residents, EPA found that the community's
primary concerns centered around conserving and cleaning up the groundwater and the potential for
economic development at the Ace Site. Community leaders see potential for the property; however,
the overriding concern remains the town's water quality.

Although it will be some time before redevelopment can take place at the site—groundwater treat-
ment is expected to continue for about 13 years—local subcontractors are providing cleanup services
valued at $1.5 million. EPA estimates that workers on the project will expend $300,000-$400,000 on
meals and lodging in Colby over the life of the cleanup; this money represents a significant infusion of
cash into Colby's economy. Additionally, EPA plans to establish a cooperative agreement with Colby,
whereby the town will be paid to operate the treatment system for EPA—another benefit to the
area's economy.

Although cleanup of Colby's water supply -will take several years, EPA will continue to work with the
town and its residents to ensure they remain safe and enjoy clean water and new economic prospects
in their midst.

CONTACTS:

Bob Stewart, EPA Region 7
(913) 551-7654

Hattie Thomas, EPA Region 7
(913) 551-7003

Visit the EPA Region 2 web site at:
http://wvjw.epa.gov/region7/Superfund

Preparing to build the groundwater
treatment plant.

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