The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating the Nicor Gas distribution system in Park Ridge, IL, for PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl)-contaminated liquids, the agency said Monday.

In June Nicor reported to EPA the discovery of PCBs at four homes in Park Ridge. The company had performed cleanups at the homes and EPA inspectors did follow-up testing of the indoor air, soil and hard surfaces and found small amounts of contamination outside two of the homes. EPA required Nicor to clean up the contamination.

To verify that the problem is an isolated one, EPA is requiring Nicor to test residences and other buildings in Park Ridge and to provide additional information. Initially 80 homes will be tested, and sampling will take place this month an next. Based on test results and other information provided by Nicor, EPA will decide what further steps to take, the agency said.

A meeting at which Nicor will explain the situation to Park Ridge City Council is scheduled for Monday evening (July 16).

PCBs are mixtures of synthetic chemicals ranging from oily liquids to waxy solids. Because of evidence that PCBs persist in the environment and have harmful effects, domestic manufacture of commercial mixtures was stopped in 1977. Existing PCBs continue to be used. EPA says they are probably carcinogens. In rare cases, liquids in natural gas pipelines can migrate through meters, interrupting pressure or gas flow to appliances in homes. Pipeline liquids are typically methane, propane and butane but may also contain PCBs.

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