Dump Site Neighbors Want Water Tested, Don't Want To Pay

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Story Published: Mar 29, 2009 at 7:15 PM PDT

By Sade Malloy

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Grandview -- It's been nearly two weeks since the feds and other state agencies started investigating a possible illegal dump in Grandview. Samples of trash from the more than 100 drums of trash are now being tested, but some neighbors want answers now.

The digging has stopped at a possible illegal dump in Grandview but the work continues for inspectors from the EPA, Department of Agriculture and Department of Ecology. Inspectors are now playing the waiting game, expecting lab results from the toxic containers sometime next week. But folks who live around here are getting antsy they say they're worried about contaminated water. "From what I understand you gotta test for each and everything that was found in the pit and that can have a price range between $20-$25. Preliminary it could cost from $800-$1,000," says David Smasne, lives near dump site.

Smasne wants his well tested but the cost is what has him holding off, he doesn't feel he should have to pay for possible damages someone else is responsible for. Some neighbors agree, they want the property owner to pay.
Action News asks, "What if the property owner is in the dark about the dump, do you still feel they should pay for it?"
"Well it's their land how can they not know if people are digging and dumping on it?" says Sarah Hazzard, lives near dump site.

Hazzards's home backs right up to the dump property and could actually see the inspectors working last week. Despite her bird's eye view she says neighbors are being kept in the dark about the dig.
Joye Redfield-Wilder, Department Of Ecology says, "We just still need to know more about this site and if there is something to be concerned about we'll let people know."

Inspectors tell Action News they don't think the contamination has left the dump site. So until lab tests say otherwise homeowners with private wells are responsible for their water.

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