United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

The Gibson well site is located at 1290 Old Highway 70 East in Camden, Tennessee.  The wellhead is located approximately 50 yards north of the residence at coordinates 36.04018 North and 88.07719 West.  On February 3, 2009, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) received a complaint from Mrs. Nalgene Gibson of 1290 Old Highway 70 East in Camden, Tennessee concerning the quality of the water from her well.  TDEC staff visited Ms. Gibson on February 12, 2009 and returned on February 25, 2009 to collect a sample from Ms. Gibson’s well.  On March 13, 2009 TDEC received the results of the analysis.  Mercury was found at 11 parts per billion (ppb).  The Maximum Contaminant Level for Mercury in drinking water is 2 ppb.  TDEC resampled Ms. Gibson’s well on March 13, 2009 and expanded the investigation to include a nearby neighbor.  The sample results from the second sample at Ms. Gibson’s well was 13 ppb.  Mercury was not found in the well samples collected by TDEC at surrounding properties.  

Based on TDEC's previous sampling, EPA decided to conduct sampling of the Gibson well.  On July 21, 2009, EPA sampled the well.  Results indicated a mercury concentration of 6.8 ppb.  TDEC has provided the resident bottled water for drinking and cooking in the short term.  

One of the occupants of the home is experiencing health problems; however, it is unknown if there is any connection between the persons consumption of the contaminated water and the health effects.  The resident has complained of experiencing burning skin sensations when bathing in the well water.

EPA met with the City of Camden, TDEC, and other local officials to discuss options for supplying water to the resident.  The City of Camden does not have plans to run city water into the area in near future, but indicated they have allowed service lines to be installed for several other residents in area.  With consultation from EPA's Office of Technical Services, the OSC determined that running a service line to the resident was an acceptable, supported option for supplying water when a private well is contaminated at levels above the MCL.

OSC Spurlin initiated an emergency action under his warrrant authority to hire EPA contractor, WRS Compass, to subcontract installation of a service line.

The construction of the service line was completed on October 7, 2009 and the residents now have safe drinking water.  EPA does not anticipate any further action related to the Site.