Workers Notice Odor At Fort Detrick Landfill Site

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Fort Detrick officials say tests are being conducted after workers noticed an odor coming from a monitoring well being installed at a landfill.

Officials announced Saturday that workers were drilling in a section of the installation called Area B, which is contaminated with chemicals, as part of a groundwater contamination investigation when they noticed the odor Wednesday.

Officials say detection of such vapors isn't unusual during such investigations and low concentrations of the vapors were only found within 10 feet of the drill site. They say initial tests showed no risk to the surrounding area, but additional tests will be made public as they are returned.

As a precaution, officials say workers at this drill site will wear additional protective equipment including respirators.

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