HINKLEY – (INT) – Scientists will be updating the groundwater contamination that thrust this San Bernardino County desert community into the spotlight.

They want to differentiate between man-caused chromium-6 and naturally occurring contamination.

Activist Erin Brockvich says “Some of the readings are obviously lower today, but there are still levels that are concerning us.”

Brockovich says the toxic plume that doomed Hinkley into years of health concerns is still on the move.

“We’re still looking at the severity. It appears it’s an ongoing problem that hasn’t been addressed properly.”

The US Geological Survey will begin sampling groundwater from wells throughout the community in March. Results will be used in formulating a plan for the ultimate clean-up of the pollution.

Story Date: February 3, 2015