Potomac Chemical Spill Prompts More Precautions Downstream

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A West Virginia county says it will close its Potomac River water intake for a week to avoid drinking water contamination for 22,000 customers from last week's chemical spill at a western Maryland paper mill.

The Berkeley County Public Service Water District says it's prepared to begin the shut-off Sunday, before the expected arrival of a plume of styrene-butadiene, a synthetic latex.

Executive Director Chris Thiel says she's concerned about whether the chemical poses a health risk, whether the treatment plant can remove it and whether it would damage the plant's equipment.
Styrene-butadiene is not defined as a hazardous chemical under federal workplace regulations. But styrene is regulated by the federal Environmental Protection Agency due to its potential to cause health problems from even short term exposure.

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