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New Perchlorate Regulations Established
On July 28, 2006, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to promulgate drinking water and waste site cleanup standards for the chemical perchlorate, setting the standard at 2 parts per billion (ppb). The new regulations require most public water systems to regularly test for perchlorate. The regulations were adopted to protect public health, including sensitive populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and individuals with low levels of thyroid hormones. Perchlorate has been found to interfere with thyroid function, which could lead to impaired development and metabolism.
Perchlorate is a chemical that can be found in blasting agents, fireworks, military munitions, and other manufacturing processes. Since perchlorate was first detected in the aquifer under Bourne, MA in 2002, the chemical has been detected in 10 other public water systems across Massachusetts, including Westford’s Cote Well in July 2004.
The Westford Water Department received final approval from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to operate a treatment system for the Cote Well on May 22, 2006. The Cote Well had been shut down since July 2004. The treatment system treats the well’s water to below 1 ppb of perchlorate, one-half of the new standard of 2 ppb. The treatment system consists of two high flow pressure vessels that use a perchlorate-selective resin to filter out the chemical.
Besides the requirement for regular testing, the new regulations also require parties responsible for perchlorate contamination to notify MassDEP of the contamination and conduct appropriate environmental assessment and cleanup, and for all drinking water supplies to contain no more than 2 ppb of perchlorate. Since the Cote Well was placed back online, no perchlorate has been detected in any sample from the Cote Well and, at the time of printing, no Notice of Responsibilty has been issued by MassDEP for the perchlorate contamination of the Cote Well.
MA DEP Approval Received for Perchlorate Treatment System at Cote Well
WESTFORD , MASSACHUSETTS --- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) has completed their inspection of the perchlorate treatment system for the Cote Well, and approved it for startup and operation. It is anticipated that the well will be back in service the week of May 29, 2006. In April 2006, the Westford Water Department completed installation of the system that will treat the water to below 1 part per billion (ppb) perchlorate, one-half of the MA DEP's proposed standard of 2 ppb. (One part per billion can be thought of as one drop of ink in a large tanker truck, or a drop of ink in a home swimming pool.)
In 2003, MA DEP mandated public water suppliers implement quarterly sampling in order to evaluate the extent of perchlorate contamination in the Commonwealth. Perchlorate is a chemical that can be found in blasting agents, fireworks, military munitions, and other manufacturing processes. Westford's first quarterly samples in early 2004 indicated no perchlorate. The first positive test results of 2.7-3.8 ppb perchlorate in the Cote Well were detected in July 2004, and resulted in the well being shut down. The Westford Water Department immediately began investigating the potential source and extent of contamination. The source was identified in the Snake Meadow Hill area located west of the Cote Well.
Based on the Town's needs for a reliable and safe water supply, and the fact that the perchlorate contamination could take years for the natural dilution effect to flush it out, the Westford Water Department moved forward to design, permit, and install a treatment system at the Cote Well. The system consists of two high flow pressure vessels using a perchlorate-selective resin. MA DEP approved the treatment plan and engineering report on September 14, 2005. Since then the vessels were constructed and installed in March 2006, and the resin was installed in April 2006. The system underwent testing in April, and was inspected by MA DEP on May 2, 2006. Final MA DEP approval to return the well to service was received May 22, 2006.
The Westford Water Department, along with its engineer, Comprehensive Environmental Incorporated of Milford , MA , worked on the project with MA DEP, from permitting, design, and construction to final startup. The entire process was completed in less than nine months, a process that typically takes about two years, and will allow Westford to use the Cote Well as water demands increase in the coming summer months.
If you have any questions or would like DEP contact information, please call Jessica Cajigas, Environmental Compliance Manager for the Westford Water Department at 978-399-2457. For more information on perchlorate and its health effects, go to http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/percinfo.htm
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