COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency wants to demolish three buildings in downtown Columbus to help it clean up dry cleaning chemicals that are contaminating groundwater nearby.

Project Manager Nancy Swyers tells the Local Media that the demolitions will help expedite the clean-up effort that began after the chemicals were first detected in 1983. It will also help officials remove contaminated soil from the area.

Since 1987, the EPA has taken several steps to reduce the levels of tetrachloroethylene found in the water near the buildings to be demolished. That chemical is commonly used in dry cleaning.

A groundwater extraction and treatment system helps protect Columbus’ drinking water supply from contamination.

A public meeting will be held Monday evening on the EPA’s proposed demolition plans.