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SAN JUAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |
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County considers new regulations on arsenic from wellwaterposted 02/18/04
"The issue was raised recently regarding a land sale," Environmental Health Manager Mark Tompkins told the county commissioners at their Feb. 10, 2004 meeting. A well was drilled which would have been fine under the old EPA standards. However, the test results came in above the new, stricter maximum contaminant level (MCL). San Juan County code refers to the EPA standards. "Right now we would not approve a well which was above the new MCL of 10 parts per billion," Tompkins said. "We don’t allow treatment, we just say you have to be in compliance (with the EPA standard)." He polled neighboring counties to see how they were dealing with arsenic levels in wells. Island County doesn't require testing for individual wells. Skagit County requires testing and notification. Snohomish County allows treatment for arsenic. San Juan County currently allows property owners to treat their water for barium and chloride. Tompkins suggested the county consider adopting the Snohomish County rules, permitting treatment of arsenic. The metal occurs naturally in soils, especially glacial outwash areas. Commissioner John Evans asked how reliable the treatment options are. Tompkins said there are four treatment options, one of which produces hazardous waste. For lower levels an under-the-sink device will work. At higher levels, treatment would need to be done through the whole house. The price tag for that is between $10,000 and $15,000 according to Tompkins. Restaurants are not required to meet the standard. The concern is about long-term, chronic exposure, Tompkins said. Commissioner Rhea Miller was concerned about allowing treatment. "I could go along if every faucet was labelled," she said. A landlord would be aware of the arsenic levels but a "tenant could move in and have no idea." she said. "People are more vulnerable at different stages of life." Evans suggested the arsenic level be included on the deed. Barium and chloride levels already are, Tompkins said. Commissioners Darcie Nielsen, Miller and Evans agreed a public information campaign is needed to educate the public about arsenic in wells. MORE INFORMATION ON THE EPA's ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS
This chart shows results of tests for arsenic in San Juan County wells. The smallest dot indicates a result of .001 to .01 mg/l. The medium size dot .01 to 0.1. The largest dot 0.1 to 0.226. The medium and large dots are above the EPA standards. All areas of the county have not been tested, so lack of a dot does not mean there is no arsenic in the area. |
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