TOXIC SUBSTANCE LACQUER THINNER - Bull River Dumping Kills Aquatic Life

(04/21/2001)

By Bob Weaver

A toxic substance dumped in the headwaters of Bull River about two weeks ago has been identified as a "lacquer thinner" often used in painting autos. Kevin Campbell of the Hazardous Water Division of the West Virginia DEP, gave the report Friday to DNR officer Tom Fox.

The substance, discovered by authorities, killed aquatic life in the stream including earthworms, salamanders, amphibians and small fish. Fox said a "strong odor was around the stream" last week. Residents of Bull River expressed their discontent over the dumping.

Fox is asking people in the area to provide confidential information regarding the dumping. "This is a very irresponsible situation," he said.

Water resources officials have visited the new Grantsville water plant and water technician Dave Johnson said water drawn from the Little Kanawha River and treated is "extremely safe."