KDHE Home - News 1999 - News Release
Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
Contact: Don Brown, 785-296-1529
KDHE Responds to Uncovered Battery Dump
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has responded to a complaint about lead acid automotive battery debris in Olathe. Utility trenching in an area of new home construction at the north end of Willie Street uncovered crushed automotive batteries dating back to at least the 1960s. The battery debris was apparently used as fill material, along with other construction and demolition materials, in an abandoned quarry located on City of Olathe property.
At KDHE's request, the City of Olathe and Delphi Automotive Systems have volunteered to assist KDHE in addressing the most immediate concerns at the site. City employees are working to restrict access to the site with fencing and safeguard against water erosion of the debris in the event of rainfall. Delphi has contracted an environmental consulting firm to cover the battery debris exposed at the surface while KDHE, Delphi, and the City consider alternatives to address any contamination that may be associated with the batteries.
KDHE does not believe that the batteries pose a threat to area residents, but cautions residents to keep children out of the restricted area marked with fencing. Individuals with questions or concerns may contact Kurt Limesand of KDHE at (785) 296-1671, Doug Cochran of the City of Olathe Utilities Department at (913) 397-5200, or Todd Lewis of Delphi Automotive Systems, (913) 791-6633.
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