(Okoboji)– An old bedframe, box spring, wood, metal and other trash has been uncovered so far as clean-up of the Hattie Elston boat ramp and parking area continues in Okoboji.
Some 2,400 cubic yards of soil contaminated with benzene has been removed from the site so far. The soil has been taken to a farm site where its’ been spread out and exposed to the atmosphere. Officials say that’s the best way to treat it.
Officials say the contamination apparently was from a marina and train re-fueling station that operated on the site years ago.
Soil in that area has tested as high as 10-thousand parts per billion for benzene…a known carcinogen. D-N-R standards for land near a lake call for a level no higher than two parts per billion.
D-N-R officials say most of the digging should be done by this Wednesday. Once that’s complete, a vent and piping system will be installed that will allow oxygen to be pumped into the ground to speed up the breakdown of any petroleum contamination that’s still there.
The soil will be replaced and the parking lot will eventually be re-paved.
Officials say the project should be complete in time for the start-up of the boating season next spring.
