The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has received results of water sample analysis from several homes and monitoring wells in Hazelbrook.
The testing was conducted as a precautionary measure after petroleum hydrocarbons were detected in a monitoring well near the north/northeast boundary of a construction and demolition (C&D) disposal site operated by Maintenance Services Limited. Petroleum hydrocarbons include gasoline, diesel and fuel oil. Minister of Environment Chester Gillan said results of the water sample analysis indicate the situation is confined to the immediate area of the monitoring well.
Water samples were collected from seven area homes in late January. They were sent to the Provincial Chemistry Laboratory which tested for a suite of water quality parameters, including chloride, lead and manganese and to an out-of-province laboratory which tested for petroleum hydrocarbons and MTBE, which is a gasoline additive. Minister Gillan said there were no detections of hydrocarbons or MTBE in any of the seven samples. As well, he added, results of the chemical analysis of the seven samples show all parameters within the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
"I realize that some residents were concerned about their water supply when petroleum hydrocarbons were detected in the area, so I am pleased that we are able to provide this assurance that their water has not been affected," said Minister Gillan.
In addition to the water samples taken from area homes, Minister Gillan said samples were taken from seven monitoring wells February 3. That included the original well that tested positive and six new monitoring wells that were drilled in late January to define the area affected. Consultants determined the location of the new wells based on the direction of the groundwater flow.
Minister Gillan said four of the new wells showed no detections of hydrocarbons while the other two showed trace amounts - just slightly above the level where they are detectable and well below provincial cleanup guidelines. Meanwhile, the monitoring well that originally tested positive continues to show detections of petroleum hydrocarbons, although at substantially reduced levels.
"All of the testing indicates that the situation is confined to that one area; however, the operators of the site will be required to continue to monitor all of the wells," the minister added.
No apparent source of the petroleum hydrocarbons has been identified. In a report submitted to the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment in January, consulting engineers concluded that activity on the C&D disposal site was not the source. Two monitoring wells between the active disposal area and the well that tested positive showed no significant detections of petroleum hydrocarbons. Minister Gillan said the department requested an independent review of the consultant report as another added measure of assurance. A report from the independent consultant supports the conclusion that the petroleum hydrocarbons did not originate from within the site.