EPD detects de-icing chemical in waters below airport

ATLANTA - Traces of a de-icing chemical, apparently from Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, were found in a water sample from a Fayette County home, the state Environmental Protection Division said. <br> <br> Bert Langley, the EPD&#39;s emergency response program manager, said about 250 gallons of ethylene glycol overflowed from containment ponds at the airport during the Jan. 2 snowstorm. <br> <br> Other tests were conducted on water samples taken Tuesday from Fayette and Clayton counties and Griffin, all of which draw water from the Flint River south of the airport. The results were not in on Tuesday. <br> <br> Though ethylene glycol is toxic, Langley said the chemical was found in three parts per million, far below the range that triggers an Environmental Protection Agency health advisory. <br> <br> ``You may get a taste, but I doubt if any normal human would drink enough water to get any effects,&#39;&#39; Langley said. <br> <br> Some residents of south Fayette County have complained of a smell from the water. Tony Parrott, water system manager, said one of two water treatment plants was closed Jan. 15 but may be reopened soon.