Metal thieves spill chemical into Benton County pond

Story Published: Mar 27, 2008 at 9:34 AM PDT

By Associated Press

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Scrap metal thieves who sawed down a decommissioned power pole -- caused an estimated $100,000 damage and spilled roughly 180 gallons of oil mixed with a hazardous chemical.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office said the theft of $443 worth of copper wiring was reported to police last week. It happened on property owned by the Knife River Corporation.

Authorities believe the chemical might have spilled into a nearby pond.

A clean-up specialist says Knife River hired a private contractor to contain and investigate potential contamination.

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