State stops Othello from sealing well

OTHELLO — Othello City Council continues to consider their options to rehabilitate well 6.

The well is the largest producing water source in the city pumping more than 3,000 gallons of water per minute. There is also a fluoride contamination coming from various sources in the well. While the sources were identified, the city must prevent the fluoride from entering the well to ensure safe water for human consumption.

The city sent a letter to the Department of Ecology asking for permission to seal the bottom of the well and the fluoride sources, City Administrator Ehman Sheldon said.

“DOE has told us ‘no,’” he said.

Instead Ecology suggested the city attempt to pull the inside casing of the well and replace it, Sheldon explained. If the city is unable to remove the casing, Ecology may reconsider their denial to the city’s proposal.

The city was awarded a $310,000 state grant to fund the entire project and will continue to move forward at the direction of Ecology.

— Staff report