(AP) — The state and federal government are expected to spend $10 million to clean up properties in Columbus that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency believes contributed to groundwater contamination decades ago.

The Columbus City Council approved an amendment to its Superfund contract last week that allows for the additional federal and state funding. The EPA says the cleanup is necessary to control a plume of tainted groundwater created by three former dry-cleaners.

The EPA will pick up 90 percent of the cost, and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will cover the rest. The plan includes the demolition of four buildings.

The properties were identified as the sources of two carcinogenic chemicals commonly used in dry cleaning that leached into the soil and groundwater.

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