​Potential Public Water Extension Could Come to Bedford

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) announced on April 14, 2017, that Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics has agreed to fund design efforts for a potential extension of public water service into Bedford, according to a press statement. The agreement is in response to drinking water wells in the area containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) above New Hampshire’s Ambient Groundwater Quality Standard of 70 parts per trillion (ppt). The Pennichuck Corporation will complete the design work, which will include 61 properties. Additionally, in Bedford, water line connections to six properties along South River Road are being investigated.

Saint-Gobain has made this commitment while NHDES continues to investigate other potentially responsible parties, who may also bear financial responsibilities. Saint-Gobain has done this because of their focus on public health of the local communities and their employees. NHDES has determined that construction of water service extensions is the most efficient and cost-effective solution regardless of what other sources may later be identified as contributing to the problem. NHDES is continuing to test wells in the area to determine the full extent of contamination.

Well testing can be requested at surveymonkey.com/r/NHDES-S-03-008

A public meeting has been scheduled for property owners in the design area. Affected property owners will be contacted and invited to the meeting by Pennichuck Corporation. It is important that property owners attend the meeting to meet with Pennichuck Corporation to complete necessary paperwork to expedite the design process.

ALSO READ:

• Elevated Concentrations of PFCs Found Near Former Coakley Landfill
• NH DES: Water Delivery Expanded in Amherst
• State to Host Southern NH Contaminated Water Meeting
• Elevated Levels of PFCs Found Near Former Salem Landfill
• NHDES Hosts Bedford PFOA Meeting on June 2
• Bedford Residents Now Getting Bottled Water
• EPA Releases New 'Lifetime' PFOA Exposure Level Data
• NH DES: Elevated Levels of PFOA Found in Amherst
• Plant Agrees to Fund Design Costs for Potential Public Water Extension
• PFOA Water Test Update: 400 Receiving Bottled Water
• Merrimack Plant Samples: PFOA Up to 5,800 PPT
• State Expands PFOA Water Investigation
• State Releases More PFOA Data, Maps
• New Well Tests Show Higher Levels of PFOA
• Perfluorooctanoic Acid Found in Merrimack Water
• NH DES Releases PFOA Drinking Water Test Results
• State to Discuss PFOA Water Test Results Next Week
• Perfluorooctanoic Acid Found in Bedford Water
• Contaminants Found in Pease Drinking Water
• 19 Pease Water Contaminant Questions & Answers

The meeting Information is here: Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 6:30 p.m., Peter Woodbury Elementary School, 180 County Road in Bedford.

For more information, please contact James Martin, NHDES Public Information Officer, at 603-271-3710. Additional information on NHDES’ ongoing investigation into perfluorinated chemicals in New Hampshire drinking water, please visit des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pfoa.htm.

Submitted by Jim Martin.

Saint-Gobain file photo courtesy of Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photography. FrameofMindPhoto.com.