The contaminated aquifer in Heredia will be taken care of by 1 of 5 companies that have been invited to place bids by the National Emergency Commission. All 5 companies are foreign, from Brazil, Mexico, Spain and 2 from Canada.

The contamination in the aquifer was detected in September of 2004.  The contaminated aquifer is not used for drinking water, however it is suspended over one that gives potable water to 1.5 million people.  Apparently the contaminations stems from a gas station in Barreal de Heredia, which was closed immediately when the spill was discovered. The good news is that the
The clean up was delayed by red tape, but in December the spill was declared a national emergency in order to speed up the bidding process. The CNE published contract requirements on Friday and the companies have 1 month to place their bids.  The CNE will award the contract and may resolve any protests within 3 days.

The CNE expects to have the clean up underway in May.