News Release C01-04

1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 324-9670 FAX (916) 445-5563

For Immediate Release (C01-04) Contacts: William L. Rukeyser, Cal/EPA 916-324-9670, Cell: 916-715-5852 Jerry Martin, ARB 916 322-8286, Cell: 916 849-9843 June 30, 2001

Air Resources Board Monitors Air Quality Near Hinkley, Finds Chrome-6, PG&E Irrigation Stopped

SACRAMENTO--The California Air Resources Board (ARB), working with a number of state agencies and departments, followed up on the well-known chrome-6 (hexavalent chromium) situation in Hinkley.

Tests done this spring show chrome-6 in the air near a field (near the intersection of Community Blvd. and Summerset Rd.) that Pacific Gas & Electric Co. had irrigated with water containing chrome-6. The irrigation was done as part of PG&E’s remediation plan that would allow chrome-6 to be changed to the far less toxic chrome-3.

At this point the data available are limited and additional testing and analysis are required to answer all questions regarding airborne chrome-6 near Hinkley.

However, the ARB’s tests show detectable levels of airborne chrome-6 at the fence line and at the nearest residence. Because of these data, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board promptly told PG&E to cease remediation activities that could result in airborne chromium-6. This was done as a precautionary measure. The company has complied.

(Both the ARB and the state’s water boards are within the California Environmental Protection Agency.)

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The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see the Web site, www.flexyourpower.ca.gov

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