NEWS RELEASE
2004-16 Massachusetts
Military Reservation (MMR), Cape Cod, Mass. — Officials from the Air Force Center
for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE) have announced the results of May 2004 residential
well sampling program for homes near groundwater plumes emanating from the Massachusetts
Military Reservation (MMR). All samples met state and federal safe drinking
water standards. Samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
ethylene dibromide (EDB). VOCs (such as fuels and solvents) and EDB (a fuel additive
that is no longer used) are known contaminants in plumes related to MMR. Twelve
residents were sampled in May, while another 28 residents will be sampled in July and
August. Most homes are sampled on a semi-annual basis. Mr.
Jonathan S. Davis, Remediation Program Manager for AFCEE, stated, “The Air Force’s
first commitment has always been the protection of public health. The residential
sampling program is a major part of that commitment.” The sampling and testing
is free of charge and is being offered as an extra measure of precaution and comfort to
residents surrounding the MMR who may have concerns about the groundwater plumes. Background:
Over 250 residents were in the program in 2001. Since then, many have
been connected to either Bourne or Falmouth municipal water supplies at Air Force expense.
From 1986 through 2003, the Air Force has connected over 1,100 residents in the
four Upper Cape towns to municipal water supplies. To become
part of AFCEE’s residential well sampling program, residents must: [1] Have a private
well as the sole source of drinking water; [2] be within 500 feet of a known plume’s
lateral boundary and/or [3] be within 2 years travel time downgradient of a plume (that
is, the plume would be under your home within 2 years, based on 1.5 feet per day average
flow rate). For more information about the residential sampling program and connections to municipal water supplies, please contact Mr. Doug Karson, at (508) 968-4678 ext. 2
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