Water Investigation Update Set For Merrimack Public Hearing

MERRIMACK, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services plans to provide an update on the investigation into possible drinking water contamination from the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation following a public hearing on Nov. 5. The hearing will be to discuss a draft air permit related to the installation and operation of air pollution control equipment at Saint-Gobain with the update scheduled for after the hearing.

Residents of Bedford, Litchfield, Londonderry, Manchester and Merrimack are encouraged to attend the public hearing on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. at the James Mastricola Upper Elementary School on Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack.

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics offered last week to provide free bottled water to some families in Bedford and Merrimack amid an ongoing dispute with the towns over accusations of contamination in the water supply. Merrimack officials have asked the state to temporarily shut down the Saint-Gobain plant after town officials said a groundwater test sample from March showed an increase in perfluorooctanoic acid from toxic perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals. The company has said that it has phased out using the industrial chemical.

Officials with New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services said they will review the request from Merrimack officials.

Written comments filed in accordance with Env-A 621.06, and received no later than 4 p.m. on Nov. 18 will be considered in making a final decision. Written comments on the draft permit can be submitted by mail at Director, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Air Resources Division, 29 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03302-0095. They can also be sent via email to Catherine Beahm (catherine.beahm@des.nh.gov). All comments received prior to the deadline will receive the same thorough consideration. Attendance at the public hearing is not required to submit written comments.

A copy of the draft permit can be found here.

For more please contact Jim Martin, NHDES Public Information Officer at james.martin@des.nh.gov or 603 271-3710.

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