Date: Fri 08-Dec-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Apple-Blossom-contamination

Full Text:

Apple Blossom Lane Neighborhood Presses For Answers On Water Contamination

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

Neighbors from the Apple Blossom Lane area gathered in Newtown High School

auditorium the evening of December 5 to hear what local and state officials

had to say about well water contamination which, thus far, is believed to

affect 30 to 40 residential properties. Two hours of questions from the

audience followed the formal presentation.

Some people expressed anger over how poorly they felt the problem has been

handled since tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was first identified in some wells

three years ago. Others had technical questions regarding the aquifer, as well

as questions relating to a state funded study which is to be done about the

issue. And a few seemed to simply want to go on record expressing their belief

that there was no acceptable long-term solution other than connection to the

town water supply.

By the end of the evening, however, most people seemed to feel more confident

that representatives of the Health District and the Department of

Environmental Protection were making their best effort to identify affected

properties and communicate relevant information to residents in a more timely

manner. And everyone left with what they came for - more information.

Director of the Health District Mark Cooper reported on the history and

present status of the problem.

"We have done an awful lot of sampling - 120 to 130 different private water

supply wells," said Jonathan Goldman of the DEP's Bureau of Water Management.

"And we're not done by any means."

Contaminated residential wells had been identified on Dogwood Terrace, Apple

Blossom Lane, Prospect Drive, and South Main Street. Expanded testing has

recently shown some Cedar Hill Road water supplies are also affected.

According to Mr Goldman, water samples at a Cedar Hill property revealed the

highest level of PCE detected so far in the area - 250 parts per billion. The

action level set by the state is 5 parts per billion.

One area resident pointed out that there has recently been blasting at new

home sites on Cedar Hill. The state geologist said they had made of note of

it, and he admitted that blasting "could definitely affect" the situation

because it disturbs bedrock.

Of the affected properties, 11 have either been provided with carbon

filtration systems or have been hooked up to the public water supply because

their the level of PCE exceeded the state action level, said Mr Goldman.

Bottled water has been provided to these residents during the interim.

During the week of November 27, Mr Goldman and four assistants conducted a

subsurface investigation on properties within the affected area. Using a

portable drill rig mounted on a pick up truck - a geoprobe - workers sampled

the soil and ground water. The mobile lab that accompanied them was able to

analyze the samples within 15 minutes, rather than the four weeks it usually

takes when submitting samples to the regular state labs. Although officials

admit a source of the contaminant may never be identified, the investigation

continues. The results of the geoprobe will assist the DEP in understanding

the extent and degree of contamination and its potential source(s).

The next speaker was Donna Pelletier, an epidemiologist with the State

Department of Public Health. PCE was a contaminant commonly associated with

businesses involving dry cleaning or metal de-greasing. The studies and

available information relate to occupational exposure (i.e. inhalation at dry

cleaners) and tests performed on laboratory animals.

"We just don't have a lot of experience in the type of exposure you are

experiencing with your drinking water," she told the audience. The state

action level is therefore conservative, and based on drinking two liters of

contaminated water every day for 70 years, said Ms Pelletier.

Right now no one can estimate how long the water has been polluted, so the

epidemiologist said "you can do a worst case scenario as to how long the

houses have been there." Mr Cooper later said most of the homes in the

affected area are 30 to 40 years old.

In response to another question, Ms Pelletier explained that much of the

ingested PCE is expelled through the breath; the rest is absorbed in body fat.

A certain level of exposure can affect the liver and central nervous system,

causing headaches or dizziness, she said.

The epidemiologist offered copies of a fact sheet on PCE which explained

potential health risks. She also encouraged people to contact her directly so

they could discuss any specific concerns.

As mandated by a state consent order, a panel of town officials interviewed

and selected an engineering and environmental consulting firm to determine the

limit of the impacted area, evaluate alternate methods of water supply, design

and oversee construction of the recommended solution, and assist with water

sampling. Representatives from SEA Consultants, Inc. spoke about their role

and explained how all available data would be put into a computer program to

help determine if there is a trend in migration of the contaminant.

"The most logical solution would be to extend the town water supply," said

William Hardy of SEA. The second option would be filters. Other possibilities

might be modifying the wells - raising or deepening the levels, or creating a

community water well system. "Or we might recommend a combination of all four

of these," the consultant said.

The study will include possible alternatives for providing potable water,

their long-term effectiveness, reliability, and cost, along with public

acceptance of a recommended plan.

Because cost-effectiveness is a consideration, one resident questioned the

frugality of having had his water tested ten times at a cost of $130 to $200

per sample. "Isn't that [total] the cost of hooking [me] up to the town water

supply?" he asked.

The consulting firm is waiting to get approval from the state to create a

draft report of the overall study. "Once we're authorized to proceed, we have

30 days to complete study," said Mr Hardy. The consultants are starting to

look at bedrock, grand water flow, and the depth of wells in the area.

Filters Not Favored

Residents balked at the possibility of having carbon filters installed as a

permanent solution. Some expressed concern that it would diminish the ability

to resell their homes; another pointed out that the state will only maintain

and monitor the filters for five years. Unless the town offers to pick up the

tab thereafter, homeowners would be responsible for all related costs.

A geologist from the DEP commented that the town may take a state

appropriation for filters and decide to apply it to the extension of town

water supply.

"Ninety percent of the people - when we come back in this room [for the next

meeting] and you tell us you're going to give us filters - are going to say,

`Bullshit!'" commented one resident, who was then applauded by the rest of the

audience. "Don't even talk to us unless it's going to be public water."

Two people claimed to have been assured by Mr Cooper that a hook-up to town

water supply had already been decided upon; the director said he expressed it

was his personal opinion that it was the most logical solution, but the study

had to be completed before any final determination could be made.

"We have the opportunity to receive state grant monies. In order to receive

them, we have to have certain documentation and a plan," said Mr Cascella in

response to questions regarding why residents will need to wait until next

spring or summer before a solution is implemented. "The state wants to see

facts and data."

Within 30 to 60 days, Mr Cooper said another meeting would be held for

concerned residents. Anyone wishing to receive the newsletter comprised of

information on the well contamination may do so by calling the Health District

at 270-4291. Mr Cooper is available to answer questions, as is Jonathan

Goldman of the DEP (860-424-3785), and Bill Hardy of SEA Consultants

(860-563-7775).