Mysterious Odor Prompts New Tests at Fort Detrick Landfill

FT. DETRICK, Md. - New tests are underway after workers drilling at a Fort Detrick landfill smelled mysterious odors.

It's raised new concerns for families in the area who've wondered for years if the cancer in their families is linked to the site.

"We've lost actually two families members in three years," says Randy White of the Kristin Renee Foundation. That's the organization White founded after losing his daughter Kristin and her mom to Cancer.

The family used to live near Area B where contaminants were buried when Fort Detrick's biological testing program ended in the 1970's.

“This is not a coincidence. It certainly is time for Fort Detrick to investigate and make a full disclosure to the community."

Geological scientist John Bee, brought in by the foundation to look into the matter, agrees.

"This thing about a noxious gas being released in alarming," Bee says.

Officials at Fort Detrick say it's not uncommon for vapors to be detected while drilling, and they were only detected within ten feet of the drill site.

Initial tests show no risk to the public, but they're doing more testing now.

In addition, workers will now wear protective gear while drilling as a precaution.

"I definitely support them in investigating this. It's been a long time coming. The EPA is behind this and I support them," Bee says.