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.
Drinking water treatment systems that use activated carbon filters were installed in two of the three affected homes. Connection of the third home to the treatment system is delayed due to lack of electricity to the pump house. Once the homeowner provides an adequate electrical supply to the pump house, the third treatment system will be installed.
Due to the lack of information regarding a potential responsible party and/or location regarding the source of the ground water contamination, five monitoring wells will be installed to further characterize the contamination. Once the monitoring wells are installed, long term ground water sampling and monitoring will be conducted by the Spokane County Health Department with coordination with the Washington Department of Ecology.
Five monitoring wells will be installed within a short distance away from the former government well. Both up and down gradient monitoring wells will be installed to further characterize the ground water contamination. EPA is exploring with the County, State, and others to develop a plan to conduct long-term ground water monitoring for this area.
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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