Fireworks Likely Source of Mount Rushmore Water Pollution
KEYSTONE, S.D. (AP) — A government report has concluded that past fireworks displays at Mount Rushmore National Memorial are the likely source of a pollutant found in water within the site in western South Dakota.
The findings of the U.S. Geological Survey report were announced Monday. The report shows that the contaminant called perchlorate was found in groundwater and surface water within the park.
The agency says perchlorate is used in fireworks and is a common component of rocket fuels and explosives. The agency says high concentrations of perchlorate in drinking water can affect the human thyroid gland, but the drinking water at Mount Rushmore is safe for public consumption.
The agency and the National Park Service studied perchlorate and metals associated with fireworks in water and soil samples taken between 2011 and 2015.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
See Also:
More From KXRB
