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STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS RESPOND TO METHANE GAS PROBLEM IN MANCHESTER, TENNESSEE

Release Date: 01/21/1999
Contact Information: Hagan Thompson, EPA Press and Media Relations, 404-562-8321

An underground ventilation system will be installed this week near Central High School in Manchester, Tennessee to intercept and capture methane gas that may be migrating from the Coffee County landfill, said the EPA, Air Force, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

No methane gas has been detected in the school - on the landfill's north side – and students are not at risk, the agencies said in a joint statement today. However, levels of methane have been detected in areas near the landfill and the ventilation system is a precautionary measure.

Although the landfill, now closed, may not be the sole source of methane gas, the Air Force is taking immediate action to eliminate any methane coming from the landfill. As an added safeguard, an industrial hygienist will be on duty at the school seven days a week monitoring for methane until the ventilation system is installed.

A similar ventilation system will be installed near houses on the landfill's west side. Residents are advised to ventilate the crawl spaces of their homes and outbuildings as much as possible.

EPA and Arnold Engineering Development (AEDC) have conducted parallel sampling as a quality assurance check. Data received so far has indicated that the results are comparable. According to Clark Brandon, Deputy Chief of the Environmental Management Division, all sampling results should be known by next week.

AEDC officials have established telephone numbers for individuals with questions regarding the landfill and methane gas levels. The numbers to call are 931-454-4353 or 931-454-6252.