Rocket Fuel in wells (response)

[Laura Olah <olah@speagle.com>]

Lenny,

Although possible, I would be very surprised if this is the only 
contaminant in these wells. What other parameters did they test for? 
If other contaminants are found, the individual drinking water standards 
will NOT be applicable when additive and possible synergistic effects 
are considered. If there are multiple contaminants the levels described 
as "safe" will be considerably lower. 

It is also my opinion that pregnant women, infants and young children 
and other populations at risk should NOT drink tainted water, even if it 
satisfies the regulatory definition of "safe" for a variety of reasons. 
For example, many human health standards are erroneously extrapolated 
from limited animal studies, are based on risk to a healthy, white adult 
male, and/or do not consider prior and/or ongoing exposures such as 
fugitive dust, occupational exposures, air emissions or other exposures 
from nearby military or other activities in the community. Moreover, 
exposure routes from VOC's, in particular, are not limited to 
consumption -- exposure routes such as absorption through the skin and 
inhalation are often overlooked.

Additionally, adequate outreach to community members is obviously 
important ASAP. You may find that people may make assumptions that 
actually place them at greater risk; for example, many people believe 
boiling water will categorically eliminate or reduce health risks 
associated with contaminated drinking water. Nitrate contamination is a 
good example as boiling actually increases the concentration of 
contaminants.

Also remember, there are a lot of people who do not read the paper or 
watch the news. The facility should go door-to-door. Literature should 
also be translated to other languages as appropriate.

Hope this helpful.
Laura 

 Laura Olah, Executive Director 
 Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger
 E12629 Weigand's Bay South
 Merrimac, Wisconsin 53561
 olah@speagle.com
 Phone (608)643-3124 Fax (608)643-0005
 Website http://www.speagle.com/cswab