[CPEO-MEF] New Tests Confirm Contaminants in Boundary Wells at BAAP

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

For more information contact:
Laura Olah, CSWAB (608)643-3124
Steve Ales, WDNR (608)275-3310

New Tests Confirm Contaminants in Boundary Wells at BAAP

MERRIMAC -- Army officials reported today that laboratory tests have
detected several contaminants in boundary wells at the Northeast corner 
of Badger Army Ammunition Plant.  Low levels of the explosive
2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrophenol (a chemical used in the
manufacture of explosives, wood preservatives, and insect control
substances), industrial solvent 1,1,2-trichloroethane, boron (a
contaminant often associated with flyash), and sulfates were detected in 
the groundwater.

Contaminant levels do not exceed safe drinking water standards however
levels exceed the WDNR's Preventive Action Limit (PAL).  The PAL serves 
as a "trigger" for remedial action and allows time to investigate a 
problem before the enforcement standard is reached.

2,4-dinitrophenol was reported at 10.1 ug/l (micrograms/liter).  While
Wisconsin does not have a groundwater standard for 2,4-dinitrophenol,
CSWAB said Minnesota's Department of Health has recommended a Health
Risk Limit (HRL) of 10.0 ug/l.  Minnesota's HRL is "the concentration of 
a groundwater contaminant that can be safely consumed daily for a
lifetime."  The WDNR will be forwarding this information to the
Wisconsin Division of Health.

The WDNR will be evaluating all the information provided today and will 
determine whether or not it will require the Army to test additional 
residential wells.  The Army is currently required to test one nearby 
private well on a regular basis.

Badger officials said groundwater tests conducted earlier this year were 
not dependable; faulty sampling techniques are suspected.  With improved 
protocols, the Army believes the recent test results are reliable.

Environmental contractors working for the Army have recommended that
five (5) additional monitoring wells be tested outside the Badger fence 
to get a better understanding of off-site groundwater quality and flow 
direction.

*   *   *
--
Laura Olah, Executive Director
Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger
E12629 Weigand's Bay South
Merrimac, WI  53561
phone (608)643-3124
fax (608)643-0005 alt fax (608)643-2682
Email: olah@speagle.com
Website: http://www.cswab.com