Tests Show Burning Soil Not Causing Problems

Thu., Oct. 24, 1996

Kathy Mulady Staff Writer

Despite a half-dozen complaints that burning creosote-soaked soil is fouling the skies over Hillyard, air quality engineers say testing shows no problems.

The incinerator, set up behind the URM warehouse, was not operating last week when some of the complaints were received.

Kelli Vigeland, engineer for the Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority, said emissions testing was done at the burner behind the URM warehouse.

As planned, burning was then halted until test results were back.

“Our testing didn’t show any problems at all and they can start up again,” said Vigeland.

Crews from Dust Coating, based in Maple Plain, Minn., began incinerating 20,000 tons of contaminated soil about three weeks ago. They stopped while awaiting test results, then began burning again this week.

Larry Johnson, manager for Dust Coating, says it could take two months to clean the mountain of contaminated dirt.

Contamination was discovered in 1992 while crews were excavating for construction of the URM warehouse at 7511 N. Freya. Years ago, the site was occupied by National Pole and Treatment, where railroad timbers were soaked in creosote ponds.

, DataTimes

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