By AP/KWMU
Chicago – The U.S. EPA is asking the power company Ameren and its subsidiaries to expand an investigation of PCB-contaminated liquids found in natural gas distribution systems in Alton and East St. Louis.
Ameren recently inspected the gas supply equipment at Alton Middle School and at 12 homes in East St. Louis.
The school equipment did not contain PCBs. But liquids containing the chemicals were found at collection points outside the school and were removed.
Additionally, low levels of PCBs were found in gas meters outside three of the 12 homes inspected in East St. Louis.
The meters were replaced and the soil beneath them was cleaned.