Monitoring wells being installed at airport

McCOOK, Neb. — Groundwater near the airport in McCook will be tested for possible contamination.

The State of Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has directed Panhandle Geotechnical & Environmental Inc., to evaluate potential groundwater contamination from petroleum products on property located at the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport.

PG&E intends to drill and install three groundwater monitoring wells southeast of the Kugler Co. hangar at the airport, on property previously the location of a fueling facility with underground tanks.

As part as the investigation of the site, the wells will be installed as approved by the NDEQ. The monitoring of the well is expected to last four to five days, according to a letter sent from PG&E to Kyle Potthoff, Public Works director for the city.

With other consent agenda items, the McCook City Council Monday night approved an encroachment agreement that allows PG&E to access the property.

Other consent agenda item the council approved unanimously included two special designated liquor licenses for St. Patrick’s G.I.F.T. (Giving Investments for Tomorrow) Gala.

The licenses were granted to the Knights of Columbus for Preview Night on March 16 at St. Patrick School and for Loop Brewing Company for the gala at the school and gym on March 17. A representative of the gala committee told the council Monday night that proceeds would go toward teachers’ salaries at St. Patrick School.