March 2, 2010

A Fredericton-area company has been fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to violating the Clean Environment Act.

On Feb. 26, in provincial court, Judge Julian Dickson imposed the fine against Custom Machine and Hardchrome Inc., formerly of 85 Melissa St., Unit 2, Fredericton.

The Department of Environment charged the company with releasing a contaminant into the environment that affected the natural, physical, chemical or biological quality or constitution of the environment.

The company was also charged with failure to comply with a ministerial order issued in relation to the release of a contaminant.

Feb. 24, 2010

Remediation work at the spill-site is ongoing.

The presence of low concentrations of hexavalent chromium in monitoring well MW 8 is believed to be the result of the sampling process.

This is not having an impact on water quality in the residential or business wells. Latest results from the Department of Environment continue to show that hexavalent chromium is non-detect in drinking water wells for all residences and businesses.

The water treatment system continues to work effectively. To date, 12.4 million litres of water has been treated on-site.

A Working Group, comprised of residents and Department of Environment staff, has been created to share information between the department and residents.

On Feb. 18, Custom Machine and Hardchrome Inc. pleaded guilty in Fredericton Provincial Court to releasing a contaminant into the environment and to failing to comply with a ministerial order to submit an environmental assessment and remedial action plan to the Department of Environment.

Sentencing will be handed down on Feb. 26.

Dec. 11, 2009

The Department of Environment has updated its map of wells.

The latest water test results still show low concentrations of hexavalent chromium in monitoring well MW 8, located outside the spill site.

The presence of hexavalent chromium in this shallow monitoring well is not having an impact on water quality in the residential or business wells.

The latest water tests results show that concentrations of chromium in the two recently drilled monitoring wells (MW 12 and MW 13) located on the spill site were below the Health Advisory Level of 0.05 mg/L.

These concentrations are from the first round of sampling results for the new monitoring wells. Additional monitoring will be carried out. Further interpretation of the findings will be conducted when results are obtained from future sampling events.

The purposes of installing these two additional wells were:

to see if the issue at the monitoring well located on a property near the spill site and indentified as MW-8 could be explained by the presence of highly contaminated groundwater at the back of the building close to the spill source. Based on these first results for MW-12 and MW-13, this does not seem to be the case; and

-to assess local shallow groundwater flow directions. In the coming weeks, the Department of Environment will install dataloggers in monitoring wells MW-7, MW-8, MW-9, MW-12, MW-13 and in the tank-pit to permit further evaluation of shallow groundwater flow directions at the back of the building.
The ongoing work at the spill site has resulted in the removal of over 700 tonnes of impacted soil (including the entire contaminated septic system) for treatment and disposal at an approved out-of-province facility.

The on-site water treatment system that was installed during the early days of the spill response has now treated nearly 10.2 million litres of chromium contaminated water.

These combined efforts have resulted in the removal of approximately 80% of the chromium that was spilled.

The water treatment effort will continue until hexavalent chromium is no longer present in the groundwater located on the spill site.

Other than the well at the business where the spill occurred, the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have never been contaminated with hexavalent chromium. Latest results from the Department of Environment continue to show that hexavalent chromium is non-detected in drinking water wells for all residences and businesses.

More than one year has passed since the chromium spill at Custom Machine and Hardchrome Inc. located on Melissa St. near the Evergreen Park Subdivision. This was a large spill which has taken substantial effort to remediate. To date, the clean-up has cost $1.5 million.

The departments of Environment and Health have been very proactive on this file and remain committed to cleaning up the spill site to satisfactory standards. There is still work left to be done. For example, two new shallow monitoring wells will be installed on the spill site in the next coming weeks.

The wells will be located between the spill site and a nearby shallow monitoring well where hexavalent chromium was detected in the Spring.

The concentrations of hexavalent chromium in this shallow, off-site, monitoring well fluctuated throughout the summer and the situation was monitored closely by the Departments of Environment and Health. In an effort to determine the cause of the hexavalent chromium in this specific monitoring well, changes were made to sampling techniques and frequency. As these changes did not reveal the cause of the impacts to the monitoring well, further investigation is required. This action includes the installation of two new monitoring wells between the spill site and the impacted monitoring well.

The presence of hexavalent chromium in this shallow monitoring well is not having an impact on water quality in the residential or business wells.

DENV is working with the site professionals to determine why this particular monitoring well is now showing signs of contamination.

Since the impacted monitoring well is on private property, the affected property owner has been notified by the Department.

Drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have never been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

The groundwater flow direction has consistently been to the northwest, and away from the homes on the Route 10 highway.

These domestic wells are therefore upgradient of the spill site, and as such, do not draw their water from the spill area.

There is no reason to believe that the deep groundwater system, located upgradient of the spill area, is at any risk of contamination.

DENV continues to monitor residential potable wells and all monitoring wells for signs of chromium contamination.

To date, approximately 80 per cent of the spilt chromium has been recovered.

The remaining 20 per cent is dissolved in groundwater.

Contaminated soil has been removed from the site. Samples indicate that soil quality meets CCME criteria.

Ongoing remediation efforts include the recovery of contaminated groundwater, the operation of the treatment system and groundwater sampling from both shallow and deep monitoring wells.

In July, Custom Machine and Hardchrome Inc. plead not guilty to a charge of releasing a contaminant into the environment and a charge of failing to comply with a ministerial order.

A trial date is now scheduled for February 18th, 2010 in Fredericton provincial court.

On August 31 2009, the Department of Health had lifted the 'Do not consume water' advisory on area business wells.  The 'Do not consume water' health advisory for residential wells was lifted at the end of April 2009.  There are no more health advisories for water consumption in the area of the contaminated site.    

Business wells were kept on the advisory longer due to their location down gradient to the contaminated site, and plans for further remediation work at the site. Information from the Department of Health and the Department of Environment showed that no impact from the remediation work has been noted at any of the monitoring wells or through the weekly private well testing.  

All evidence and actions taken to date indicate that the contamination has been contained at the site. 

The remediation work on the contaminated site is ongoing. It is estimated that approximately three quarters of the lost chromium contained in the groundwater, surface water and soil have been removed.

Since the beginning of August, approximately 240 tonnes of impacted soil have been removed from the site and sent to an out-of-province disposal location. 

Other than the well at the business where the spill occurred, the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have never been contaminated with hexavalent chromium. Results from the Department of Environment continue to show that hexavalent chromium is non-detect. 

However, for reassurance regarding the continued safety of the water, water sampling and testing of the wells for all residences and businesses around the spill site will continue in the immediate term, with the aim of slowly reducing the frequency of testing over the coming months.  

A recovery well has been operational since October 30, 2008.  This well pumps out and treats any contaminated water at the site.  This operation will continue until there is no detectable hexavalent chromium and total chromium is within acceptable limits. 

The company involved back in October 2008 in a chromium spill in the Fredericton area appeared in provincial court on July 27th 2009.
Custom Machine and Hardchrome Inc. entered a not guilty plea to two charges of releasing a contaminant into the environment that affected the natural, physical, chemical or biological quality or constitution of the environment, and to fail to comply with a ministerial order issued in relation to the release of the contaminant.

A trial date is now scheduled for February 18th 2010 in Fredericton provincial court.

Remediation work is ongoing on the spill site. During the week of August 3rd, the soil removal from underneath the building's slab and the front of the building was completed. Approximately 240 metric tonnes of impacted soil have been removed from the site to an out-of-province disposal location.

Groundwater sampling of monitoring wells on and around the spill site continues on a regular basis. The treatment system continues to operate.

Some residents raised concerns regarding air quality in the area. There is no scientific evidence that the air has been contaminated with pollutants. Under the Environment Canada regulations and to get a New Brunswick Approval to Operate, Custom Machine and Hardchrome was required to use a fume suppressant known as Fumetrol 140. This product was used in the chrome tank to control surface tension. With Fumetrol 140, emissions of hexavalent chromium and worker exposure are greatly reduced. The product is relatively soluble in water and produces very little emissions. The use of Fumetrol 140 was also verified during an audit of the facility conducted in 2007 by the Department of Environment's inspectors. The company was in compliance with its approval to operate.

Water sampling and testing of the wells for all residences and businesses around the spill site are ongoing. Results from the Department of Environment continue to show that hexavalent chromium is non-detect.

As of August 11, approximately 6.1 million litres of water has been treated on-site. The Chromium concentration in the treatment system has remained non-detect.

While remediation work is ongoing on the spill site, the Department of Environment, after a long investigation, laid charges on July 13, 2009 at the Fredericton provincial court against Custom Machine and Hardchrome Inc. with two violations of the Clean Environment Act.

The Department of Environment alleges that on Oct. 26, 2008, Custom Machine and Hardchrome Inc., formerly of 85 Melissa St., Unit 2, Fredericton, released a contaminant into the environment that affected the natural, physical, chemical or biological quality or constitution of the environment.

The company is further charged that on Feb. 2, 2009, it failed to comply with a ministerial order issued in relation to the release of the contaminant.

The case has been adjourned and representatives of the company are scheduled to make another appearance in court on July 27^th 2009.

On the spill site, the excavation work which involves removing impacted soil from underneath the building's concrete slab continues.

Saw-cutting of the slab and the interior wall to permit soil excavation was undertaken in the week of July 20. Backfilling of the excavation will be undertaken when the remaining impacted soil has been removed. Digging along the front foundation wall will begin after the interior work has been completed. Contaminated material will then be taken to an approved out-of-province disposal site.

Water sampling and testing of the wells for all residences and businesses around the spill site are ongoing. Results from the Department of Environment continue to show that hexavalent chromium is non-detect.

The treatment system on-site continues to work effectively. As of July 24, 2009, approximately 5.5 million litres of water has been treated on-site. The hexavalent chromium concentration in the effluent has remained non-detect.

There is no scientific evidence that soil has been contaminated beyond the immediate spill site and as such has not affected surrounding residents and businesses. Contact with such soil will only pose a risk if ingested.

Remediation work is ongoing on the spill site and excavation work will be conducted starting the week of June 22nd.

The excavation work will involve removing impacted soil from underneath the building's concrete slab. A portion of the slab and interior wall will be removed to access soil. Contaminated material will then be taken to approved out-of-province disposal site.

Water sampling and testing of the wells for all residences and businesses around the spill site are ongoing. Results from the Department of Environment continue to show that hexavalent chromium is non-detect.

Water sampling and testing of the on-site monitoring wells continue to show that impacts are contained to the spill site.

As of June 12, 2009, nearly 4.35 million litres of water has been treated on-site.

It is important to note that the on-site treatment system (which pumps out and treats water at the site) has been tested non-detect with respect to hexavalent chromium. For reassurance regarding the continued safety of the water, this operation will continue until the remediation work is completed.

In the mean time, the Department of Environment is continuing its remediation work on the spill site.

The "Do not consume" water advisory was imposed on October 28, 2008, by the Department of Health as a precautionary measure. Other than the well at the business where the spill occurred, the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have never been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

The advisory was maintained through the majority of the local spring melt and rains to determine if this environmental change would impact the well water. There has been no impact on residential and business well water results.

The advisory was maintained through periods of extensive soil excavation at the contaminated site. This activity has not impacted residential and business well water results.

For reassurance regarding the continued safety of the water, residents will still have access to weekly water sampling in the immediate term, with the aim of slowly reducing the frequency of testing over the coming months.

All evidence and actions taken to date by the Department of Environment indicate that the contamination has been contained at the site and that the residential wells water can be safely consumed. The Department of Environment has no scientific evidence that chromium is spreading outside of the spill site.

There has been extensive work conducted to remove and/or treat contaminated groundwater, surface water, soil, and materials. Approximately 578 metric tones of impacted soil and other material in the septic tile field area was removed from the spill site. Impacted water was also pumped from the open excavation. All impacted soil, material and water have been taken to approved out-of-province disposal sites.

The on-site treatment system (which pumps out and treats contaminated water at the site) continues to operate and nearly 3 million litres of water has been treated to date. This operation will continue until there is no detectable hexavalent chromium and total chromium is within acceptable limits.

A series of shallow and multi-level monitoring wells have been installed and regularly monitored since the spill, and are located between the spill site and uphill and downhill private wells. These provide a means of assessing groundwater quality before it reaches private wells, and will continue to be regularly monitored until such time that there is no detectable hexavalent chromium at the site.

The latest results from April 27 indicate that samples collected from all three installations in the deep monitoring well located uphill and downhill of the spill site were non-detect for hexavalent chromium.

The on-site well and shallow monitoring well continue to show concentrations of hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level.

Contaminated soil will be removed from underneath the building in the near future once highway spring weight restrictions have been lifted.

Remediation work at the Melissa Street chromium spill site is ongoing.

Approximately 578 metric tones of impacted soil and other material in the septic tile field area has been removed from the spill site. Impacted water was also pumped from the open excavation. All impacted soil, material and water have been taken to approved out-of-province disposal sites.

Confirmatory soil samples for total chromium and hexavalent chromium were taken from the walls and floor of the septic tile field excavation. The analytical results indicate that residential soil criteria has been met at the property boundary. Therefore, soil impacts do not extend off the spill site.

Contaminated soil will be removed from underneath the building following the spring melt.

The latest water sample results are from April 14, 2009.

Water results from the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium. The Departments of Environment and Health are evaluating the possibility of lifting the health advisory.

Water samples collected from all three installations in the deep monitoring well located uphill of the spill site were non-detect for hexavalent chromium.

Water samples collected from all three installations in the deep monitoring well located downhill of the spill site were non-detect for hexavalent chromium with the exception of the shallow installation which had hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. This impact is being attributed to the recent excavation activity.

The on-site well and shallow monitoring well continue to show concentrations of hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. Concentrations have decreased since the last sampling event.

The on-site treatment system continues to operate and approximately 2.5 million litres of water has been treated to date.

The next update will be posted on May 1st, 2009.

Remediation work at the Melissa Street chromium spill site is continuing.

The Departments of Environment and Health have agreed to re-evaluate the possibility of lifting the health advisory after the spring melt.

Soil excavation efforts in the septic tile field area started the week of March 24 and were completed the week of March 30th. As a result, approximately 578 metric tonnes of contaminated soil and other material has been removed and disposed of at an approved disposal site in Nova Scotia. A certain amount of soil had to be temporarily relocated in order to access the contaminated material in the septic tile field area. Some of this non-contaminated material was stored on an adjacent property and was used as backfill for the excavated area. It is expected that the backfilling of the excavation with clean material will be completed by April 3rd.

Confirmatory soil samples were taken from the walls and floor of the excavation and sent for analysis of Total Chromium and hexavalent chromium. The results indicate that residential soil criteria has been met at the property boundary. Therefore, soil impacts do not extend off the spill site.

During the soil removal operation, water impacted with hexavalent chromium seeped into the open excavation pit from underneath the on-site building. As a result, vacuum trucks were brought in to continuously pump impacted water from the excavation. Approximately 145,000 litres of impacted water was then taken off-site for disposal at an approved disposal site in Quebec. Results of water samples revealed levels of hexavalent chromium, above the Health Advisory Level of 0.05 mg/L. All impacted water was contained inside the septic tile field excavation with a series of berms and pumped to the on-site storage tank since excavation began.

To mitigate surface water drainage at the site and control the flow of water beneath the building's concrete slab, a bentonite wall was constructed along portions of the building's footings of the western and southern walls. This bentonite seal will contain impacted water underneath the building allowing the water to be removed by pumping from the pit located within the footprint of the former hardchroming shop. This water will be treated by the on-site treatment system.

Contaminated soil underneath the building will also need to be removed. Since this is under the building, additional measures and planning are required. The removal of this soil will occur at a later date.

Based on the information collected to date, there is no indication that contamination extends off the spill site.

The latest water sample results are from March 30, 2009.

Water results from the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site, and the seven shallow monitoring wells have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium. These results have been consistent since the first round of sampling and testing back in October 2008. The drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have never been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

Water samples collected from all three installations in both deep monitoring wells, located uphill and downhill of the spill site, were non-detect for hexavalent chromium except the shallow installation of MW-11 which had a detection slightly above the detection limit but below the Health Advisory Level.

The on-site well and shallow monitoring well continue to show concentrations of hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. Concentrations have risen slightly.

The on-site treatment system continues to operate and more than 2 million litres of water has been treated to date.

The next update will be posted on April 17, 2009.

The Departments of Environment and Health have agreed to reduce the water sampling frequency on the spill site.

All monitoring wells will be sampled monthly, the six key monitoring wells (MW-2, MW-3, MW-6), and the two deep monitoring wells (MW10 and MW-11) will be sampled bi-weekly.

The on-site well will be sampled weekly, and the treatment system effluent will be sampled daily (at the plant) and weekly (at the laboratory).

Residential and business wells will continue to be sampled on a weekly basis.

The latest water sample results are from March 16, 2009.

Water results from the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium.

Water samples collected from all three installations in both deep monitoring wells, located uphill and downhill of the spill site, were non-detect for hexavalent chromium.

The hexavalent chromium concentration in the shallow monitoring well adjacent to the septic field area (MW-6) has decreased to below the Health Advisory Level.

The on-site well and shallow monitoring well (MW-2) continue to show concentrations of hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. The hexavalent chromium concentrations in both wells continue to slowly decrease with time.

The on-site treatment system continues to operate and more than 1.70 million litres of water has been treated to date.

Soil impacted areas have been identified in the septic tile field, along the north wall of the building and underneath a portion of the floor slab. Excavation of the impacted soil in the septic tile field is tentatively scheduled for the week of March 23.

The next update will be posted on April 3, 2009.

The investigation regarding a hexavalent chromium spill on October 27, 2008, on a property located on the Melissa Street in Fredericton is ongoing, and there is no timeline as to when it will be completed.

Sampling and analyzing of the residential and commercial wells continue. Sampling of the nine shallow monitoring wells off site and on site, and the two deep monitoring wells installed up hill and downhill of the spill area also continue.

The latest water sample results are from March 9, 2009.

Water results from the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site, and the seven shallow monitoring wells have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium.

Water samples collected from all three installations in both deep monitoring wells, located uphill and downhill of the spill site, were non-detect for hexavalent chromium.

Hexavalent chromium concentrations in the shallow monitoring well adjacent to the septic field area have increased slightly above the Health Advisory Level. As the shallow monitoring well is immediately adjacent to the contaminated septic tile field, these results are expected.

The on-site drinking water well and shallow monitoring well continue to show concentrations of hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. The concentration of hexavalent chromium in the drinking water well rose slightly and is likely the result of an increased drawdown following the installation of a new pump on February 13, 2009. The concentrations in both wells continue to show a slow decrease with time.

The on-site treatment system continues to operate and, as of March 12, 2009, has treated more than 1.52 million litres of water.

Soil impacted areas have been identified and excavation is proposed for the septic field area, along the north wall of the building and underneath a portion of the floor slab. The logistics of the soil excavation program are currently being worked out.

The next update will be posted on March 27, 2009.

The investigation regarding a hexavalent chromium spill on October 27, 2008, on a property located on the Melissa Street in Fredericton is ongoing, and there is no timeline as to when it will be completed.

Sampling and analyzing of the residential and commercial wells continue. Sampling of the nine shallow monitoring wells off site and on site, and the two deep monitoring wells installed up hill and downhill of the spill area also continue.

Due to the snow storm on Feb. 23, the latest water sample results are from February 16, 2009.

Water samples collected from all three installations in both deep monitoring wells, located uphill and downhill of the spill site, were non-detect for hexavalent chromium.

Hexavalent chromium concentrations in the monitoring well adjacent to the septic field area continue to reduce with time and are now below the Health Advisory Level.

The on-site drinking water well and shallow monitoring well continue to show concentrations of hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. These concentrations are showing a slow decrease with time.

The on-site treatment system continues to operate and has treated more than 1.18 million litres of water.

Dataloggers will be re-installed in monitoring wells and private wells during the spring melt in order to obtain additional water level data from the area. In interpreting the hydrogeological characteristics of an aquifer, it is considered best practice to obtain water level data from a dry season (period of naturally low water levels such as the winter) and a wet season (period of naturally high water levels such as the spring). Once spring water level data has been collected and interpreted, the website will be updated with the findings.

Soil impacted areas have been identified and excavation is proposed for the septic field area, along the north wall of the building and underneath a portion of the floor slab. The logistics of the soil excavation program are currently being worked out.

The next update will be posted on March 13, 2009

Remediation work at the Melissa Street chromium spill is continuing.
Soil impacted with hexavalent chromium has been identified in the septic field area and underneath the building's floor slab.

Analytical results for some soil samples collected from beneath the building's floor slab have shown some reduction in hexavalent chromium concentrations. Results from some soil sample locations continue to show a presence of hexavalent chromium above acceptable criteria. Soil impacted areas identified on the site plan remain relatively the same.

Soil contamination will be addressed and soil treatment options such as soil removal and on-site treatment are being considered. Soil contamination is localized to the spill site and does not extend onto the neighbouring properties.

Click here for a map of the sampling area and to locate the wells.

As of Feb. 16, the water results from the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site, and the seven shallow monitoring wells have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium.

Groundwater results for the shallow monitoring well and the drinking water well located on the contaminated site continue to show a presence of hexavalent chromium at concentrations above the Health Advisory Level. Hexavalent chromium concentrations in these two wells are slowly decreasing with time. Pumping of contaminated water continues and it is being treated on-site. More than 1,021,950 litres of water has been treated to date.

As for the results from the two deep monitoring well installed downhill and uphill of the spill area, the results from the uphill well, located between the spill and the homes on Route 10, have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium in all three installations. The downhill well, located between the spill area and the businesses along Melissa Street, continues to show hexavalent chromium at a concentration well below the Health Advisory Level in the shallow installation.

Water level data, collected from monitoring wells and private wells, is currently being interpreted to determine the hydrogeological characteristics of the bedrock that supplies drinking water to wells in the area.

Click here for a map of the sampling area and to locate the wells.

As of Feb. 9, the water results from the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium. These results have been consistent since the first round of sampling and testing back in October 2008. The drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have never been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

Groundwater results (Feb. 9) from seven shallow monitoring wells continue to show no presence of hexavalent chromium.

Groundwater results for the shallow monitoring well and the drinking water well located on the contaminated site continue to show a presence of hexavalent chromium at concentrations above the Health Advisory Level. Pumping of contaminated water continues and it is being treated on-site. Approximately 1,021,950 litres of water has been treated to date.

Results from Feb. 9 showed that the chromium concentration levels at both the recovery well and the closest monitoring well (located on-site) are continuing to drop with time.

Groundwater results (Feb. 9) for the shallow monitoring well located adjacent to the septic tile field on the contaminated site has shown a concentration of total chromium and hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. As the monitoring well is immediately adjacent to the contaminated septic tile field, these results are expected.

As of Feb. 9, the groundwater results from the deep monitoring well installed uphill of the spill area (between the spill and the homes on Route 10) have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium.

The groundwater results from the deep monitoring well installed downhill of the spill area (between the spill and businesses along Melissa Street) have shown chromium concentrations which is expected. Based on the most recent results (Feb. 9), hexavalent chromium was present in the shallow installation well below the Health Advisory Level.

Because groundwater flow direction has been confirmed to be to the northwest and moving away from the private residences along Route 10, the Department of Environment does not anticipate any problems related to hexavalent chromium contamination in the future.

The Department of Environment has no scientific evidence that chromium is spreading outside of the spill site.

A total of nine soil samples were recovered in the week of Feb. 9 from six previously drilled core holes from beneath the building slab, where the spill occurred. The analytical test results have yet to be received.

These results will help the Department of Environment to better assess the issue of soil contamination beneath the building and to evaluate the options.

It is important to note that the contaminated soil does not pose a risk to residential properties as the chromium in the soil is not spreading.

Sampling and analyzing of the residential and commercial wells continue every week. Sampling of the nine shallow monitoring wells off site and on site, and the two deep monitoring wells installed up hill and downhill of the spill area also continue at the same frequency.

As of Feb. 2, the water results from the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium. These results have been consistent since the first round of sampling and testing back in October 2008. The drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have never been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

Groundwater results (Feb. 2) from seven shallow monitoring wells continue to show no presence of hexavalent chromium.

Groundwater results for the shallow monitoring well and the drinking water well located on the contaminated site continue to show a presence of hexavalent chromium at concentrations above the Health Advisory Level. Pumping of contaminated water continues and it is being treated on-site. More than 748,000 litres of water has been treated to date.

However, results from Feb. 2 showed that the chromium concentration in the recovery well (located on site) is reducing with time.

Groundwater results (Feb. 2) for the shallow monitoring well located adjacent to the septic tile field on the contaminated site has shown a concentration of total chromium and hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. As the monitoring well is immediately adjacent to the contaminated septic tile field, these results are expected.

As of Feb. 2, the groundwater results from the deep monitoring well installed uphill of the spill area (between the spill and the homes on Route 10) have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium.

The groundwater results from the deep monitoring well installed downhill of the spill area (between the spill and businesses along Melissa Street) have shown chromium concentrations which is expected. Based on the most recent results (Feb. 2), hexavalent chromium was present in the shallow installation well below the Health Advisory Level.

Because groundwater flow direction has been confirmed to be to the northwest and moving away from the private residences along Route 10, the Department of Environment does not anticipate any problem related to hexavalent chromium contamination in the future.

The Department of Environment has no scientific evidence that chromium is spreading outside of the spill site.

In order to better assess the issue of soil impacts beneath the building and to help the Department of Environment to evaluate the options, sampling of soil from six of the existing core holes will be undertaken in the week of Feb. 9.

The Department of Environment has not yet received analytical data for water samples recovered on Jan. 26 from the deep monitoring wells installed up hill and down hill of the spill area, and the shallow monitoring well located adjacent to the septic tile field. The results are expected to be available in the week of Feb. 2.

As of Jan. 23, the groundwater results from the deep monitoring well installed up hill of the spill area (between the spill and the homes on Route 10) have shown no detection of hexavalent chromium.

The groundwater results from the deep monitoring well installed down hill of the spill area (between the spill and businesses along Melissa Street) have shown chromium concentrations which is expected. Based on the most recent results (Jan. 23), hexavalent chromium was present in the shallow installation well below the Health Advisory Level.

Groundwater results (Jan. 23) for the shallow monitoring well located adjacent to the septic tile field on the contaminated site has shown a concentration of total chromium and hexavalent chromium above the Health Advisory Level. As the monitoring well is immediately adjacent to the contaminated septic tile field, these results are expected.

Groundwater results for the monitoring well and the drinking water well located on the contaminated site continue to show a presence of hexavalent chromium at concentrations above the Health Advisory Level. Pumping of contaminated water continues and it is being treated on-site. Approximately 748,000 liters of water has been treated to date.

Other than the well at the spill site, the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have not been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

The Department of Environment has no scientific evidence that the drinking water will be contaminated in the future with hexavalent chromium, and that chromium is spreading outside of the spill site.

The Department will continue to monitor the situation and have regular discussions with the Department of Health.

Excavation and off-site disposal of impacted soil from the septic field area is expected.

The Department of Environment suspects that the contamination (just at the detection level and below the health advisory level) of the deep monitoring well between the spill and the homes on Route 10, occured during the initial development of the well before Christmas.

Groundwater results from the deep monitoring well installed down hill of the spill area (between the spill and businesses along Melissa Street) have shown chromium concentrations, which is expected. Hexavalent chromium was present in two installations, well below the Health Advisory Level. Monitoring will continue.

Dataloggers have been installed in the two deep monitoring wells to allow for the collection of water level data. Collection of this information will aid in determining if there is any hydraulic connection between the shallow, intermediate and deep sections of the bedrock.

Groundwater results for the shallow monitoring well located just up-hill of the septic tile field on the contaminated site has recently (Jan. 12) shown a concentration of total chromium above the Health Advisory Level and a concentration of hexavalent chromium below the Health Advisory Level. As the monitoring well is immediately adjacent to the contaminated septic tile field, these results are expected. Monitoring will continue.

Officials of the Department of Environment continue to work closely with the Department of Health to provide their officials with information that is needed to make a decision regarding the lifting of the health advisory.

Since there is no change to the status of the health advisory, the Department of Environment continues to provide bottled water to impacted residents and businesses.

In the mean time, the Department of Environment is continuing its remediation work on the site.

The on-site treatment system continues to treat water collected from the on-site well. Approximately 413,000 L of water has been treated to date.

The Department of Environment is still evaluating options to address the issue of contaminated soil beneath the building.

Excavation and off-site disposal of impacted soil from the septic field area is expected to start in January.

It is important to note that the contaminated soil does not pose a risk to residential properties as the chromium in the soil is not spreading.

The investigation regarding a chemical spill on a Melissa Street property, in the Fredericton area, is ongoing. The investigation will help Government to identify the issues related to this spill. The Department of Environment will then review the recommendations and take appropriate actions.

Clean-up effort is still ongoing on the site.

An on-site water treatment system has been installed and is currently operating. The new water treatment system is being used to treat contaminated water from the well located on the spill site.

Approximately 1.23 million litres of water has been pumped to date from the contaminated well located on the site.

While the residential and commercial wells were never contaminated by hexavalent chromium, the Department of Environment is ensuring that water is provided to each of the homes for drinking and cooking.

Because groundwater flow direction has been confirmed to be to the northwest and moving away from the private residences, the Department of Environment does not anticipate any problem related to hexavalent chromium contamination in the future.

However, in an effort to reassure affected residents, the Department of Environment has installed two deep monitoring wells up-hill and down-hill from the spill-site to collect additional information. The well depths extend 200 ft below ground surface which is comparable to the depths of neighbouring private wells. Several well screens have been installed in each deep monitoring well which will allow for collection of water samples at different depths in the bedrock.

Both deep monitoring wells were sampled on December 16 and December 18. The Department is currently awaiting results.

Water sampling and analyses of the residential and commercial wells will continue every week. Monitoring wells will also continue to be sampled at the same frequency as the private wells.

The Department of Environment is evaluating options to address the issue of contaminated soil beneath the building.

Based on the results of the soil sampling underneath the floor slab, soil impacts underneath the building were not as extensive as was originally thought. Removal of the building is not required.

Soil removal is expected in the septic tile field area in the near future.
Approximately 212 kg of chromium was released on the site and the Department of Environment has delineated the extent of contamination to the area surrounding the building.

In the mean time, the Department of Environment is continuing its remediation work on the site.

The Department of Environment has installed two deep monitoring wells up-hill and down-hill from the spill-site to collect additional information. The well depths extend 200 ft below ground surface which is comparable to the depths of neighbouring private wells. Several well screens are being installed in each deep monitoring well which will allow for collection of water samples at different depths in the bedrock.

The first sampling round of the two deep monitoring wells will be done the week of Dec. 15, 2008.

Sampling and analyzing of the residential and commercial wells continue twice a week. Sampling of monitoring wells on site will also continue at the same frequency.

The on-site drinking water well is continuously (24 hours per day, 7 days a week) being pumped to recover contaminated water from the bedrock.

Groundwater results continue to show that hexavalent chromium is present in monitoring well MW-2 and the on-site drinking water well only.

Other than the well at the spill site, the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have not been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

The Department of Environment has no scientific evidence that the drinking water will be contaminated in the future with hexavalent chromium.

Sampling frequency will remain twice weekly for the monitoring wells but this is subject to change in the future. Any changes in sampling frequency will be posted on this website.

A water treatment system is currently being installed at the spill site to treat contaminated water that is being pumped from the on-site drinking water well.

The Department will undertake soil removal in the area of the septic system to the west of the building at the spill site in the near future.

Based on the results of the soil sampling underneath the floor slab, soil impacts underneath the building were not as extensive as was originally thought. The Department is evaluating options to address the soil impacts underneath the building. The removal of the building is not required.

Department of Environment will continue to keep the residents and businesses informed of the progress at the site along with any pertinent information related to the clean-up activities. The website will be updated as new information is made available.

Department of Environment and Department of Health will continue to have regular discussions in order to ensure that all parties are well informed.

Distribution of water bottles will continue at residences and businesses under water advisory.

Sampling and testing of the residential and business wells under advisory will continue on a twice weekly basis.

November 26, 2008

The Department of Environment will continue to work closely with the Department of Health to provide their officials with information that is needed to make a decision regarding the health advisory.

The health advisory was imposed on October 28, by the Department of Health as a precautionary measure. Other than the well at the business where the spill occurred, the drinking water wells for all residences and businesses surrounding the spill site have not been contaminated with hexavalent chromium.

The Department of Environment has no scientific evidence that the drinking water will be contaminated in the future.

212 kg of chromium was released on the site and the Department of Environment has contained the extent of contamination to the area surrounding the building.

Addressing groundwater contamination is the current priority as the majority of lost chromium is estimated to be dissolved in groundwater.

Nine shallow monitoring wells have been drilled around the site, both up-hill and down-hill from the spill. The main purpose is to determine groundwater flow as well as the extent of contamination. Groundwater flow is to the northwest, away from the residential properties and the extent of contamination is localized to the spill site. All monitoring wells and on-site recovery well are being sampled twice per week.

Currently, the Department is looking at placing deep monitoring wells up-hill and down-hill from the spill-site to provide additional information.

Businesses and residences under advisory are being monitored twice weekly.

No hexavalent chromium has been found in any of the samples. Low levels of chromium have been detected but this is naturally occurring and similar to surrounding areas and the rest of the province.

Contaminated water from the on-site well is being pumped to a large storage container on- site. Water from the storage container is picked up regularly and sent to Quebec for proper disposal. Approximately 600,000 liters of water has been pumped from the on-site well.

An on-site groundwater treatment system will be installed in the near future.

Soil impacted with hexavalent chromium has been identified in the septic field area and underneath the building's floor slab. Underneath the building the impacts appear to be limited to the soil directly below cracks in the floor and soil located near the sub-slab drain.

Soil contamination will be addressed and soil treatment options such as soil removal and on-site treatment are being considered to address remaining chromium in soil beneath the floor slab and in the tile field area. Soil contamination is localized to the spill site and does not extend onto the neighbouring properties.

It is important to note that the contaminated soil does not pose a risk to residential properties as the chromium in the soil is not spreading.