Duncan, Oklahoma — Halliburton Co. has found contamination in 18 water wells in Duncan and said it's taking steps to correct the problem.
In testing the wells, Halliburton detected perchlorate, which it described as a colorless salt that could — in high enough concentrations — cause adverse health effects, particularly with the thyroid gland, the company said Thursday. Halliburton said perchlorate is not a carcinogen.
The wells are located on Duncan's north side, where Halliburton used to perform government contract work involving removing and burning spent missile fuel contained in missile casings. It's been 20 years since Halliburton conducted operations at the site but the company thinks the work probably contributed to the groundwater contamination.
The company collected the water samples from the wells to meet Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality requirements.
Halliburton said it is supplying affected residents with bottled drinking water and a temporary water supply system if needed. It said it will also reimburse any potentially affected resident for the costs of health screenings and continue to determine if additional wells in the area have been contaminated.
"Halliburton will continue working with the Oklahoma DEQ to develop a long-term solution to this issue," said Jim Prestidge, the company's vice president of health, safety and environment and service quality.
A public meeting hosted by Halliburton and the ODEQ to discuss the situation is scheduled for July 19 in Duncan.
Halliburton was founded in 1919 and based in Duncan until 1961. Halliburton now has corporate offices in Houston and Dubai.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
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