[CPEO-MEF] MUNITIONS - DNT at Badger Ammo Plant (WI)

[Lenny Siegel <lennysiegel@gmail.com>]

 From Laura Olah info@cswab.org


CSWAB UPDATE: New Groundwater Wells Will Track Explosives

Merrimac, WI – In response to increasing concentrations of explosives in 
groundwater, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Army have agreed to install 
additional groundwater monitoring wells at the northeast corner of 
Badger Army Ammunition Plant in the rural township of Merrimac.

The contaminant of concern is the explosive dinitrotoluene (DNT), a 
compound that was used in the production of gun powder and rocket fuel. 
  DNT can affect the blood, nervous system, liver, kidneys, and male 
reproductive system in both humans and animals, and is a suspected human 
carcinogen.   Suspected sources of the groundwater contamination are the 
Deterrent Burning Grounds, a former dumping and burning site that 
received as much as 500 gallons per week of waste chemicals containing 
high concentrations of DNT, and a closed 15-acre landfill which was 
utilized primarily for the disposal of non-hazardous wastes beginning in 
the 1960’s.

Monitoring wells located at these hazardous waste sites and along the 
plant boundary indicate increasing trends in groundwater contaminant 
levels.  The Army has tested a number of private drinking water wells in 
the adjacent Weigand's Bay area and so far DNT has not been detected in 
any of these wells.   Regulators and the Army have agreed on a plan to 
install additional groundwater monitoring wells in and around the 
northeast corner of the plant.  The monitoring wells will provide 
additional information about groundwater quality and movement in the 
area.

The first step will be the installation of 2 deeper groundwater 
monitoring wells at the plant boundary near Weigand's Bay North Road. 
The new wells will be installed adjacent to an existing shallower 
monitoring well which continues to detect low levels of DNT.  The Army 
said it hopes to have these wells installed before the end of April. 
Additional monitoring wells are proposed for inside Badger and near 
rural homes in the Weigand's Bay area soon after.

In a related matter, CSWAB has asked the Wisconsin Department of Natural 
Resources (WDNR) to require improved test methods for private drinking 
water wells.  The community-based group wants testing to include harmful 
chemicals that are formed when DNT degrades.  The WDNR said that it is 
currently considering CSWAB's request and is hoping to have a definitive 
response in time for the next public meeting of the Restoration Advisory 
Board planned for April 9 at 6:30 pm at Badger.

Since 1990, Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger (CSWAB) has served as 
community watchdog for the restoration of the Badger Army Ammunition 
Plant – expected to be most expensive cleanup in Wisconsin history.  The 
organization and has gone on to receive national recognition for its 
work and is now supporting other communities across the country battling 
military toxins.  For more information, contact CSWAB at (608)643-3124 
or by email at info@cswab.org.

END

--

Laura Olah, Executive Director
Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger
E12629 Weigand's Bay South
Merrimac, WI  53561
(608)643-3124
Email: info@cswab.org
Website: www.cswab.org

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