Water Commission downplaying manganese risks in Massachusetts town
July 28, 2004
The Water Commission is downplaying assertions that Casella Waste Management's transfer station could be linked to high levels of manganese found in a nearby town well.
According to the commission and its consultant, Joe Beekman, the manganese levels that led to the shutdown of Well 6 two years ago was because of the well's high level of use. Commissioner Paul Saulnier said it is “occurring in a lot of surrounding towns,” but he said the increase is the result of higher well use in recent years.
At a recent Planning Board, which addressed Casella's plans for upgrading its stormwater management facility, resident Mike Nagle presented Water Commission data showing “extraordinarily high” levels of manganese around Well 6. Nagle said peak levels of manganese in most town wells were 10 times the legal limit, and the peak reading at Well 6 was 68 times the limit.
Saulnier said the high manganese levels should not be cause for concern and that towns across the region have similar issues.To learn more about manganese exposure and its various side effects, contact a manganese attorney.
