Morrisey announces $2 million for cleanup in Minden, a superfund site in Fayette County
By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV
After three previous attempts to remove PCBs from the soil in the town of Minden, WV, over the past five decades, a new cleanup effort is about to begin.
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Monday $2 million to be spent as the state’s match towards the federal government’s $16 million project. Specifically, the money will be used to remove the existing cap, excavate PCB-contaminated soil, dispose of hazardous materials at an approved off site disposal facility, and backfill with clean soil.
“This cleanup is a long-overdue investment in the health and safety of Minden residents,” said Governor Morrisey. “Thanks to the collaboration among federal, state, and local partners, we are taking meaningful steps to protect West Virginians from dangerous chemicals.”
Two years ago, the United States Environmental Protection Agency proposed spending nearly $16 million to clean up the Minden superfund site. Click here for the full story.
The site, where dozens of families continue to live, is contaminated with PCBs, a man-made chemical the EPA calls “probable human carcinogens.”
The EPA summarizes the situation at Minden: “The Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Superfund Site encompasses Shaffer Equipment Company property, Arbuckle Creek sediments, and other areas where site related contamination may be located. Site soils and sediment were historically contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which were used by the Shaffer Equipment Company from 1970 to 1984 to manufacture electrical substations for the local coal mining industry.
“The company stored nonessential, damaged, or outdated transformers and capacitors on the Shaffer Equipment Company property. Leaks from the equipment, possible spills, and dumping practices contributed to PCB contamination in on-site soils and washed into nearby Arbuckle Creek sediments. Low levels of contamination have also been observed in Arbuckle Creek within the boundary of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. New River is home to sensitive environments and is also used for recreation and fishing.
“The Site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in May 2019, making it eligible for federal investigation and cleanup under the Superfund program.”
For further background information on Minden, visit here.
Amjad: ‘Promising news’
Dr. Ayne Amjad was the state’s public health officer during the Justice administration. She is now in private practice and working the Emergency Room at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Beckley. Her father dedicated his life to treating patients in Minden and advocating for their health. Ayne continued his work, pushing for relocation of Minden residents through the documentary film, “Impossible Town.”
RealWV reached out to Amjad on Monday for comment.
“It is important to remember towns like Minden and the many years that the residents have been fighting for cleanup,” she said. “It is promising news that clean up efforts will continue and showcases West Virginia’s commitment to its residents.”
When this plan was first announced in 2023, local residents were unsure if it went far enough.
Steve Hayslette runs a local towing company and lives in Minden. “Complete site excavation,” he says, “is the best answer to prevent future spread from flooding in my opinion.”
Steve’s wife, Cindy Hayslette, appreciates the proposed plan, but she is not sure it goes far enough. “I would like to see the creek dredged out to contain flooding,” she says.
Morrisey’s office says the state has signed a contract for the cleanup to begin with the EPA. Stay tuned to RealWV for updates.
