The city of Plano has once again delayed a decision on how to deal with contaminated groundwater underneath a data center and office property north of President George Bush Turnpike.

The groundwater underneath the NTT Data property on Plano Parkway is considered unsafe for human consumption, but is not thought to pose a threat to the residential neighborhoods north of the property, according to an independent analysis.

Plano City Council on Monday voted to table until Jan. 22 the consideration of a municipal setting designation for the property. The designation would prohibit the groundwater from being used for drinking, bathing, cooking or irrigation. The property’s former owner, Dell Inc., is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to assess how to deal with the groundwater.

Although Dell is working with state regulators, the groundwater contamination is thought to have occurred before a Ross Perot company, PSC Management, bought the property in 2000. At some point before that, the property was owned by Atlantic Richfield Company, an oil company.

Council members voted to table the matter after council members Ron Kelley, Anthony Ricciardelli, Rick Smith and Tom Harrison said Dell should be given more time to explain the matter to more people living in the nearby neighborhoods, some of whom have expressed concern to the council.

The 5-2 vote was opposed by Mayor Harry LaRosiliere and Council Member Kayci Prince. LaRosiliere opposed the vote to table because, he said, he thought the council should give a definitive answer to Dell and city staff as to how to proceed.

Council Member Angela Miner was not present for the vote.