FREDERICK, Md. (Map, News) - The Army says it wants to find and test private wells near Fort Detrick in Frederick for possible contamination.

Installation spokesman Chuck Gordon says the search for wells in an area bounded by Shookstown Road, Montevue Lane and Rosemont Avenue continues the Army's effort to clean up chemical pollution first detected in 1991.

Gordon says the level of toxins in groundwater beneath the post fell sharply after contractors finished excavating an old dump site there in 2004.

He says the Army now wants to know whether any nearby private wells still exist, and to sample them.

The Army connected at least seven homes to city water after the pollution was detected.