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West Virginia chemical spill water ban to be lifted West Virginia chemical spill water ban to be lifted
(35 minutes later)
West Virginia authorities have begun lifting a ban on drinking tap water enacted after a chemical spill tainted much of the state's water supply.West Virginia authorities have begun lifting a ban on drinking tap water enacted after a chemical spill tainted much of the state's water supply.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced some of the 300,000 people affected could begin using the water on Monday.Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced some of the 300,000 people affected could begin using the water on Monday.
Only residents of designated areas were authorised to begin consuming water until further testing could be done.Only residents of designated areas were authorised to begin consuming water until further testing could be done.
On Thursday, a chemical used to process coal leaked from a plant into the Elk River.On Thursday, a chemical used to process coal leaked from a plant into the Elk River.
"The numbers we have today look good and we are finally at a point where the 'do not use order' has been lifted," Governor Tomblin told reporters on Monday."The numbers we have today look good and we are finally at a point where the 'do not use order' has been lifted," Governor Tomblin told reporters on Monday.
West Virginia American Water President Jeff McIntyre warned it could be days before the entire system was cleared of contaminated water.
The contamination had forced authorities to close schools and businesses in nine counties, and the state legislature in the capital city of Charleston cancelled a legislative session.The contamination had forced authorities to close schools and businesses in nine counties, and the state legislature in the capital city of Charleston cancelled a legislative session.
Residents were warned not to use tap water for drinking, washing-up, bathing or cooking.Residents were warned not to use tap water for drinking, washing-up, bathing or cooking.
President Barack Obama has accepted West Virginia's request for a disaster declaration, which allows federal aid to be used.President Barack Obama has accepted West Virginia's request for a disaster declaration, which allows federal aid to be used.
Charleston Mayor Danny Jones called the spill "devastating to the public at large and to the people that live in our city" on Friday.Charleston Mayor Danny Jones called the spill "devastating to the public at large and to the people that live in our city" on Friday.
The spill was first found after the state's environmental protection department received a report of a strange odour near the Elk River on Thursday.The spill was first found after the state's environmental protection department received a report of a strange odour near the Elk River on Thursday.
Officials found a leaking storage unit, a spokesman said. The spill had overrun a containment area and leaked into the river.Officials found a leaking storage unit, a spokesman said. The spill had overrun a containment area and leaked into the river.
While the leaking container held at least 40,000 gallons (182,000 litres), state environmental official Tom Aluise said investigators were "confident" that no more than 5,000 gallons escaped.While the leaking container held at least 40,000 gallons (182,000 litres), state environmental official Tom Aluise said investigators were "confident" that no more than 5,000 gallons escaped.
Coal manufacturer Freedom Industries said the chemical, 4-methylcyclohexane methanol, could be harmful if swallowed and could cause skin and eye irritation.Coal manufacturer Freedom Industries said the chemical, 4-methylcyclohexane methanol, could be harmful if swallowed and could cause skin and eye irritation.