NEWS RELEASE
2006-8 MASSACHUSETTS MILITARY RESERVATION (MMR), Cape Cod, Mass. — Officials of the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE) announced today that surface water samples taken in May 2006 from area ponds were non-detect for ethylene dibromide and volatile organic compounds. Those compounds are contaminants of concern in plumes being cleaned up by AFCEE. Samples are collected twice a year (May and July) from Ashumet, Johns, Coonamessett, Jenkins, Round (next to Jenkins Pond), Deep and Snake ponds on Upper Cape Cod. All sampling was done in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and was reviewed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The ponds are in close proximity to groundwater plumes emanating from the Massachusetts Military Reservation. The periodic sampling ensures the continued safety of the ponds for recreational uses including swimming, boating, and catch-and-release fishing. Jonathan S. Davis, AFCEE
Remediation Program Manager stated, "AFCEE wants people to feel confident that area
ponds are safe." He added, “Testing
of the ponds is important as we continue to monitor and clean up groundwater plumes from
the base that are in these areas.” Also, officials from the
Impact Area Groundwater Study Program (IAGWSP) announced that surface water tests for
Snake Pond were non-detect for explosive compounds and perchlorate. The IAGWSP
samples twice a month from mid-May through September (Labor Day) for contamination related
to the program’s investigation and cleanup. The IAGWSP activities in this area
focus on the investigation and cleanup of groundwater contamination related to former
training and contractor testing ranges located northeast of Snake Pond. The IAGWSP tested the surface water of Snake Pond
for explosives compounds and perchlorate near the public beach, the eastern side of the
pond, and at the spit in the pond’s northern end.
The IAGWSP began frequent testing of Snake Pond in 2000 to help make sure it
is safe for recreational use. For more information about AFCEE,
please call Douglas C. Karson, AFCEE Community Involvement Specialist, at (508) 968-4678
extension 2. For more information about IAGWSP, please call Kristina Curley, IAGWSP Public
Affairs Specialist, at (508) 968-5626.
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