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West Virginia Regulators Open Chemical Spill Probe
By: Associated Press
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The state Public Service Commission has ordered an investigation into West Virginia American Water's response to the Jan. 9 chemical spill in Charleston.
The PSC said Wednesday the focus of its investigation will be on whether the company's reaction to the spill and presence of the coal-cleaning agent MCHM was "unreasonable or inadequate."
Among other things, the PSC has ordered the company to provide an account of actions it took starting when it became aware of the Jan. 9 spill at the Freedom Industries plant along the Elk River.
The commission says drinking water standards, which fall under the jurisdiction of the state Bureau for Public Health, won't be debated. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for early October.
A company spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.