Did you know that Massachusetts has the second-worst water quality in the nation? As a result, Massachusetts residents face risk when they depend on our rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and subterranean waterways for their drinking water.
Westford is among several Massachusetts cities and towns affected by a water pollutant known as perchlorate. Perchlorate is a toxic substance used in rocket fuel, fireworks, and blasting materials. It has been detected in Westford’s water at concentrations far beyond two parts per billion (2 pbb), which is the maximum contamination level recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to establish a drinking water standard for perchlorate. It is important to note that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet set a standard for perchlorate and will likely not do so for several years. The EPA’s current 24.5 ppb Drinking Water Equivalent Level (DWEL) value is not a final standard but is an intermediate value used to set a final federal standard. And unlike the Massachusetts standard, it does not account for any other source of exposure to perchlorate.
Perchlorate is — and will continue to be — a major issue and potential taxpayer burden in Westford. The Westford Taxpayers Association urges you to become educated about this dangerous contaminant and offers the following perchlorate primer for your consideration:
What is perchlorate?
Perchlorate is the common name for a chemical known as ammonium perchlorate. It is widely used as an oxidizer in solid propellants for rockets, missiles, fireworks, and explosives. Perchlorate may thus be found in surface and ground waters around military operations, manufacturing facilities, and areas such as quarries where blasting agents have been used. Perchlorate may also be generated in small amounts within existing water treatment processes. Perchlorate is highly mobile in water and can persist for many decades under typical ground and surface water conditions.
How can I be exposed to perchlorate?
Human exposure to perchlorate can occur if contaminated water is consumed directly, is used to make beverages such as tea, coffee or formula, or is used to cook foods that absorb a significant amount of water. Perchlorate has also been detected in several types of foods and beverages (e.g., some lettuces and milk, depending on where they are from), possibly from use of perchlorate-contaminated irrigation water or feeds. Infants can be exposed to perchlorate through breast milk, depending on their mothers’ exposure.
What are the health effects of perchlorate?
At sufficient doses, perchlorate disrupts normal function of the thyroid gland. It interferes with iodide transport into the thyroid gland, decreasing the availability of iodide needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are essential for metabolism and normal growth and development. The impacts of disrupting thyroid hormone synthesis are greatest on pregnant women and their developing fetuses, infants, children, and on individuals who have low levels of thyroid hormones.
Is perchlorate present in Westford?
Yes. We know for sure that perchlorate contamination exists in Westford. While one public well has already been equipped with an expensive filter to remove perchlorate from our drinking water, authorities continue to test private wells and assess the extent to which perchlorate has spread. Thus far, test results indicate perchlorate has seeped beyond the original boundaries where perchlorate had been detected. One source of contamination is thought to be the blasting that occurred during the construction of Westford’s new Highway Department facility. While the town’s contract specifically prohibited the use of perchlorate during the construction of the Highway Department headquarters, there seems to be evidence that the blasting company (Maine Drilling and Blasting) used it regardless.
Who is responsible for removing perchlorate contamination?
When perchlorate contamination of ground water or wells is found to equal or exceed two parts per billion, the owner of the property is required to take necessary steps to remove it. In the case of Westford, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has already issued a “Notice of Responsibility” to the Town of Westford (as well as to Maine Drilling and Blasting). This has the potential for becoming a major issue. It’s conceivable that Westford taxpayers will be footing the bill for this clean-up while simultaneously paying to connect affected homeowners to town water, defend lawsuits, etc. Here’s a link to Westford’s press release.
The bottom line
The Town of Westford must fulfill its responsibilities to the residents of Westford and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. In order to prepare for the fiscal impact of perchlorate mitigation, the Westford Taxpayers Association urges all town officials and staff to incorporate these costs into their current and projected budgets.
To learn more about perchlorate, visit this page at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
