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2. It is good that DEM and Sage continue testing to find the full source of this pollution; so the source can be eliminated; however, remediation must begin as soon as possible. Nothing is lost by remediation and everything is to be gained. Since the pure source has not yet been found, and since this is a major Northeast problem that is affecting many of our freshwater rivers, we recommend that the Town write a grant to ascertain if there are other sources in Warren that are exacerbating this pollution.
3.How to remediate?
A.The microbe system of remediation is convenient, but, can turn into a nightmare for vinylchloride can be produced as a byproduct, and that is much more dangerous. It may takes years before the vinylchloride is produced by the microbes. We would be leaving a terrible problem for our children and children's children.
B. Pump and treat is effective and should begin.
C.For individual homes connection to the BCWC is recommended or a well-maintained whole house carbon filter costing about $1000 plus maintenance.
D. KRC recommends not using unfiltered water for watering vegetable gardens, or for use in pools. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin in pools and showers. The chemicals sink deeply into the ground. They can permeate concrete. They go through fissures in the bedrock to deep wells. If the well is abandoned, they do not go away. Even if you connect to BCWC, if your well has been identified as contaminated, you should allow them to pump and treat it for it will not disappear by itself.
4. Do these VOCs (volatile organic componds) affect the Kickemuit River? They are absorbed into fresh water which is lighter than salt water, so, when it floats sunlight and air degrade it. It is possible that if it gets to the river, it floats and is changed by the air and sunlight. KRC still asks for some testing of the river and sediment to ascertain if these volatile organic compunds (TCE and PERC) are there, but we are relieved to find out that they, because of their particular qualities MAY not have hurt the river.
5. If you have watered your yard with polluted water, we recommend that you plant the particular poplar tree mentioned by Chris Fuller. It transforms these 2 chemicals and renders them harmless.
6. For the Libby Lane farm and the homes that have dangerous levels in their wells and well as the spring behind Display World, special treatment is needed. If testing finds it to contain the chemicals, KRC recommends the construction of the ferrous iron underground system that will filter and continue to filter out these contaminants. It is noted that before Display World bought the property, the spring was cleansed.
7. Each citizen, in order to protect this environment, needs to be aware of these chemicals in products that they purchase. e.g. some brake cleaner is 100% PERC. One can, if, mishandled or, worse, buried, is capable of contaminating over 5 million gallons of water to the 5 parts per billion level. The time has come to read labels and not purchase products with PERC or TCE in them.
8. Small companies such as automotive shops, dry cleaners, printing shops that are not regulated and use these chemicals have to be very careful to recycle and dispose of them by approved methods. These chemicals can go through concrete. There are 24 of them within the site area.
KRC wants to thank Christopher Fuller for his research, hard work, and report. We thanks Don Pryor, also from Brown University for his help. Sharon Pavagiano has advised us.
KRC wants to thank the Warren Town Council and DEM for keeping on top of this problem. We think it is important for Sage for continue to test and evaluate until the pure source is found and remediated. KRC stresses that it is important that remediation begin as soon as possible at the places where this pollution has been identified. It is imortant for the health and safety of our citizens.
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