Groundwater Contamination in Hamilton Subdivision Under Control, Says Agency

The California Department of Toxic Substances has lifted its warning against planting fruit trees and vegetable gardens in the Newport subdivision of Hamilton, telling residents that there is no longer a significant risk from contaminated groundwater.

In 2006, the state agency issued an “advisement” to residents and construction workers, saying there was the potential for adverse effects from methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive.  Gasoline containing MTBE was spilled or leaked at gas stations located at the Hamilton Air Field, contaminating the groundwater supply.

“The updated risk assessment concludes that there now is insignificant risks from consuming fruit from fruit trees whose roots may reach the groundwater,” said Tamma Adamek, a spokeswoman for the Department of Toxic Substances, in an email.

Most of the contamination was confined to the area where the subdivision is located. Over the past decade, several agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Toxic Substances have overseen the remediation of the former airfield, which closed in 1976.

Do you live in Hamilton? If so, are you concerned about the area’s history of soil contamination?

CORRECTION: A previous version of the story incorrectly identified the name of the subdivision. Patch regrets the error.