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Cleanup of an oily, black substance found in the Cache la Poudre River will continue through June 2005. The affected area encompasses an approximately 700-foot stretch along the southwest bank of the river (East of North College Avenue and west of Linden Street, behind the Northside Aztlan Center and United Way Building).

Cleanup activities began in December 2004 and work activities are currently on schedule. As of January, contractors have diverted a section of the Poudre River using temporary pipelines and are preparing to excavate sediments and bedrock within and beneath the river. Contractors also are preparing the riverbank for construction of the underground barrier wall.

Once constructed, the barrier wall will not be visible to those who use the river for recreation. Ground water control wells and sump pumps will be used to keep contaminants from moving around the wall and towards the river. Water retrieved by the pumps will be treated by an on-site treatment system. To appropriately size the water treatment system, contractors plan to use a temporary treatment system for the first year and then construct a permanent structure based on site needs.

What is the oily, black substance and when was it discovered?
In September 2002, an oily sheen along a 1/4 mile stretch of the Poudre River was discovered. An investigation took place early 2004 to determine the source and how to stop it. The contaminants are likely remnants of coal tar, a by-product historically associated with coal gasification plants. The Poudre Valley Gas Company, operated by a Public Service Company of Colorado predecessor, converted coal into fuel for home heating and city lights between 1904 and 1926. Chemicals from other sources, such as gasoline and other petroleum-related by-products from leaking underground storage tanks, also have been detected in water and soil samples in the area.
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What's that Smell?
An odor similar to mothballs will likely be noticeable during the cleanup because the contaminants contain naphthalene and related compounds (the substances in mothballs that provide its distinctive odor). While the odor may be strong at times and can be rather unpleasant, naphthalene can be smelled long before it becomes hazardous to human health. In fact, it can be smelled at a level about 100,000 times lower than the point at which health and safety standards are exceeded.

Is anything being done to address the smell?
Air monitoring is being conducted at the work site as well as in and around the United Way building and Northside Aztlan Center to document air quality and ensure health and safety standards are maintained. Results of these tests will be periodically posted. Contractors do no expect air quality to exceed standards during the project, however, steps can be taken to decrease the odor if needed. These steps include:

• Placing a foam cover over the excavation site and stockpiled material;
• Reducing the inventory of contaminated material being stockpiled; and
• Temporarily ceasing excavation activities.

Is it safe to be in the area while the cleanup takes place?
Temporary fencing has been installed around the work site and security is being maintained on a continuous basis to ensure public safety and that tampering does not occur with the site equipment or systems. The public is asked to comply with signs and barricades that prohibit access to the work area.

Has drinking water been affected?
No; intakes for drinking water for the cities of Fort Collins and Greeley are upstream of this area and are not affected.

Will the public have access to the river and surrounding areas?
The Poudre River Trail adjacent to the work area will be re-routed during this time, with signs posted to inform trail users of the detour. The Gustav Swanson Natural Area and its parking lot north of Linden Street will be closed during the project for equipment access. Access to the nearby Aztlan Community Center and United Way facility will not be impacted, although Aztlan Center parking will be partially reduced. A skate park adjacent to the Aztlan Center will not remain open. Use of adjacent soccer fields during the regular season beginning in late April should not be impacted.
Poudre River Trail Detour (PDF)

How long will it take to fix the problem?
Estimated completion by end of June, 2005.

Will there be noise?
Noise will be generated by heavy equipment used to move earth and dig wells, and on-site generators will run continuously to provide electricity to the site.

Who do I contact with questions?
Citizens who have questions or would like more information can call Margit Hentschel at (970) 224-6179.