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0000017a-15d9-d736-a57f-17ff8f4d0000NHPR’s ongoing coverage of water contamination at the former Pease Air Force Base and in the communities surrounding the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics plant in Merrimack. We’ll keep you updated on day to day developments, and ask bigger questions, such as:What do scientists know about the health effects of perfluorochemicals like PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS?How are policy makers in New Hampshire responding to these water contaminants?How are scientists and policymakers communicating potential risks?How are other states responding to similar contaminations?

State Issues Update On PFOA-Contaminated Wells

Flikr Creative Commons / eyesore9

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has announced updated drinking water well test results for the water contaminant PFOA in Southern New Hampshire.

So far, the state has tested over 350 wells, mostly within a 1.5 mile radius of the Saint-Gobain performance plastics plant. Of those, 52 private wells have tested above the state’s threshold of concern: which is 100 parts per trillion of the contaminant. The well with the highest concentration came in at 1600 parts per trillion. So far, these wells are located in Merrimack and Litchfield, with one Manchester well testing above the threshold.

All residents of Merrimack and Litchfield living within the current 1-mile investigation radius who get their water from private drinking water wells now qualify to receive bottled water. A set of additional neighborhoods also qualify.

Soil testing at properties like schools and playgrounds near Saint-Gobain will be conducted next week.

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