Hinkley residents get extension on PG&E offer

HINKLEY • Hinkley residents have been given more time to decide on one of three options available to them as Pacific Gas and Electric continues cleanup and abatement of water contaminated in the ’60s.

Residents with active wells that have tested positive for any amount of chromium 6 within one mile of the groundwater plume can choose to sell their property to PG&E or decontaminate their tap water, the company said. This can be by either drilling a deeper well to access water that is safe to drink or installing a treatment system at the affected well and under each sink to remove the chromium. Residents originally had until the end of August to decide.

PG&E decided to extend the deadline to Oct. 15 at the request of several residents who wanted more time to make the decision, said PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith. Many of the residents requested their property be appraised for the property purchase program before they decide to sell or stay in their homes.