On 8/24/2005, EPA received information about two private drinking water wells near Reardan, Washington that contained unusually high levels of Trichloroethene (TCE), a commonly used solvent.
The TCE was discovered during a Preliminary Assessment and Site Inspection of a former Air Force Nike Missile Battery in the area. Based on the results of the sampling that took place during the Preliminary Assessment and Site Inspection, two domestic private wells showed TCE levels between 15 to 30 times over the drinking water standard of five parts per billion.
Based on this finding, EPA immediately dispatched an OSC and START contractors to take further water samples from the affected residences and neighboring area.
As of 8/28/2005, additional ground water samples are being collected to determine the extent of the contamination and for possible sources. To date, 22 samples have been taken from nearby residences of the affected area and those surrounding the Nike launch area. This additional search has lead to the discovery of additional private well with TCE contamination. A total of three homes (two currently occupied and one vacant) have now been affected.
Currently, no source of the TCE has been found.
Providing a treatment alternative or bottled water is being considered at this time. The Removal Action Level for TCE in water with emphasis for sensitive receptors (children) is being discussed with EPA and other toxicologists.
This effort will move into two directions from this point. First, an alternative drinking water supply or treatment method is being investigated. Second, additional characterization of the contaminated ground water and potential sources are being discussed.
Main issue is to eliminate further exposure of families occupying homes affected by TCE in the ground water. An alternative drinking water supply is critical piece. In addition, developing a short-term ground water monitoring project is needed to track the movement of the contaminated ground water and ensure that other homes are not affected in the future. If possible, further investigation in the identification of a possible source of TCE will be attempted.
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