Families address concerns after library shuts down because of chemical contamination

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IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Iredell County briefly shut down the library in downtown Statesville for two days because of concerns about a possible cancer-causing chemical contamination.

The county said it just learned about an environmental incident that happened sometime before 1999.

It may have exposed the library to PCE, a chemical commonly used in dry cleaning.

“The lady just said they were closed Friday and Saturday, didn't say why,” Statesville resident Carole Beach said.

After testing, the county found levels above residential state standards in the library's basement.

The entire library was closed Friday and Saturday and the basement will likely be shut down for two months.

Iredell County officials started the long and potentially expensive process of clearing out PCE in the basement where children use the library.

Families addressed their concerns to the county at a meeting Tuesday night.

A toxicologist met with residents and said while there are health concerns, they are manageable.

A former library employee said she's still worried.

“They have been very diligent in working with the kids and providing services,” Reitha Morrison said. “My concern is that their health. Does it affect them?”

Officials will start testing solids and groundwater for possible sources of the chemical. There's no date on when the basement of the library will reopen.

PCE, is perchloroethylene, which is a toxic chemical thought to cause cancer or other health problems.

“It's worrisome,” Statesville resident April Anderson said. “Definitely something needs to be done."

The county discovered PCE after testing soil of a property it was looking to purchase, but the chemical may have leaked into the ground from a now-closed dry cleaner on nearby Gordon Street before 1999.

Acting County Manager Beth Jones said the county wasn't notified by the state, which monitors the site.

"Really, at this point, our priority is to get it fixed,” Jones said.

Iredell County will host a public information meeting on the test results Tuesday.

The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in the community meeting room of the Statesville branch, located at 201 N. Tradd St. in Statesville.

Channel 9 is waiting to hear from state regulators to find out if the county was notified about the hazardous site and whether there are plans to clean it up.

"To ensure everyone's safety, we're going above and beyond,” Jones said.

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