IDEM says levels of contamination cause for concern
Commissioners hear results of soil tests
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Anne DeVega, Environmental Manager State Cleanup Section of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, presented the Ripley County Commissioners with their findings from the tests run on the soil contamination of the old dry cleaners on West First North Street in downtown Versailles.

DeVega said there are very high levels of contamination especially around a suspected former cistern and wooden shed on the back part of the lot. After an initial sampling in September, more tests were done in December. Six additional samples were taken and five monitoring wells were added.

Analytical results of the samples showed concentrations of PCE up to 110,000 parts per billion (ppb). The established maximum contaminant level is 55 ppb. DeVega called this a "cause for concern, but not panic." Vapor intrusion screening will be scheduled which may require a radon mitigation system to be installed.

One solution of the contaminated soil would be to "dig and haul." Essentially, this would be to remove the dirt. This is an expensive proposition. The county has no financial responsibility for the clean up. The property is privately owned. DeVega said they are pursuing insurance liability coverage of the former dry cleaners.

Other business at the Ripley County Commissioners meeting on Monday, February 27:

For longer than 911 has been in existence, the Dillsboro Life Squad has covered about 11 square miles of Ripley County. Now, the 911 Advisory Board has recommended to the Ripley County Commissioners that Ripley County take back the responsibility of this area which covers the east side of Brown Township and the south side of Washington Township.

Judy Schebler, Enhanced 911 coordinator, made this recommendation to the Commissioners. Rescue 30 will cover the area to Farmers Retreat Road and Rescue 69 will cover the rest of the area. The Commissioners agreed with the recommendation. Schebler said now, except for two square miles still covered by Millhousen, all of Ripley County is now covered by Ripley County Life Squads.

Several people appeared before the Commissioners regarding the new ordinance which states the Commissioners must confirm the road that goes into a subdivision can sustain the

Boatright is developing a subdivision at County Road 625 E and County Road 300 N in Milan. Previously, Boatright has been told he would have to widen the road. He came before the Commissioners proposing to cut part of his subdivision down from 3 acre lots to 10 acres and above so he won't have to widen the road. The Commissioners will make a site visit to his property. Both Mills and Neal will receive letters of approval for roads from the Commissioners.

What information should be included on the Ripley County website? That's the question the Technology Committee wants the Commissioners to address. They will look into the matter.

Ted Spurlock presented the Commissioners with the Rising Sun Regional Foundation's 2005 Annual Report. He also said the Economic Development board is looking for a new executive director with Pam Sander leaving March 10. Resumes can be given to any board member. Tourism Director, Katherine Taul, presented the Commissioners with the latest tourism brochure.

All three commissioners were in attendance: President Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the Commissioners. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy attended to take minutes of the meeting. The next Commissioners' meeting will be Monday, March 13 at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners' Room at the Ripley County Courthouse Annex.

CATHY MAY PHOTO

Ripley County's new building inspector, Steve Meyer of Napoleon, addresses the Ripley County Commissioners at their February 27 meeting.

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