Feds: SC lab cleanup will now stretch into 2012

ANDERSON, S.C. (AP) — The discovery of another carcinogen at the site of a makeshift chemistry lab in Anderson County means cleanup efforts will stretch into February.

The Anderson Independent-Mail reports (http://bit.ly/v0MHo4 ) that Environmental Protection Agency crews recently found traces of cadmium on the property. The owner has told authorities he was trying to make organic fuel.

Benjamin Franco, the agency’s coordinator at the scene, says the cadmium levels aren’t high enough to pose a threat to humans. But it will require the agency to take special care in disposing of the contaminated soil.

Since the discovery of the site near Hartwell Lake in June, investigators have found chemicals in nearly 1,000 containers, including Mason jars, bottles, tubs and drums.

The cost of the cleanup is now estimated at roughly $2.5 million.

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Information from: Anderson Independent-Mail, http://www.andersonsc.com