General Information & Background
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as PFCs, are a family of man-made compounds that do not naturally occur in the environment. They have a large number of industrial uses and are found in many commercial products because of their properties to resist heat, oil, grease and water. Once released to the environment, PFCs are persistent and do not biodegrade or breakdown.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is engaged in an ongoing investigation into PFAS substances in New Hampshire drinking water. New Hampshire, as well as other northeast states, are dealing with several sites where there have been widespread PFAS impacts on drinking water supplies. On May 19, 2016 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued drinking water lifetime health advisories for two PFCs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). After a review of EPA’s information, on May 31, 2016, NHDES filed an emergency rule to establish the health advisories as Ambient Groundwater Quality Standards (AGQS). NHDES set three groundwater standards: 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA, 70 ppt for PFOS and 70 ppt for PFOA and PFOS combined. After completing the regular rulemaking process, these rules became permanent on October 22, 2016. Since then, NHDES has been working to help affected citizens obtain clean drinking water and to determine the extent of the pollution.
On 7/18/19 the New Hampshire Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (NH JLCAR) approved the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) final proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)/drinking water standards and Ambient Groundwater Quality Standards (AGQS) for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS). MCL requirements and AGQS rules effective October 1, 2019.
Resources:
The most up to date information can be found on the websites listed below.
NH PFAS Investigation
NH Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
WHAT IS MVD DOING ABOUT THE PFAS ISSUE?
All water produced by MVD is now treated with granular actived carbon (GAC).
MVD’s water that is sent to the distribution system is compliant with all NHDES and EPA PFAS regulations.
2023: Construction of the Wells 2 & 9 PFAS Treatment Facilities has been completed and is operational as of March 2023.
2022: Construction of the PFAS Treatment Facilities for Wells 7 & 8 has been completed and is operational as of Spring 2022.
The cost of these PFAS Treatment Facilities is approximately $14.5 million.
These investments, along with on-going operations and maintenance costs, are supported by the voter approved budget as well as grants and loans.
MVD continues to pursue additional grants through NHDES.
Additionally, MVD has filed suit in New Hampshire Superior Court against the parties responsible for the PFOA contamination of MVD’s wells.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What well am I on…?
– How do I know which well provides water to my location…?
– Where does my water come from…?
– How is the water treated…?
– What are you testing for…?
Click the “?” for the answers.
Standards & Water Sampling
PFAS STANDARDS:
(Effective as of 10/1/2019)
Acronyms:
AGQS = Ambient Groundwater Quality Standard
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
PPT = Parts per Trillion
PFAS TESTING:
Analytical Reports
(Test Results from Laboratory)
Historical Charts
United States Environmental Protection Agency – PFAS Strategic Roadmap:
EPA’s Commitment to Action 2021-2024
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Notices:
Resources:
The most up to date information can be found on the NHDES websites listed below.
Planning & Financial – Studies, Reports, & Presentations:
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United States Environmental Protection Agency – PFAS Strategic Roadmap:
EPA’s Commitment to Action 2021-2024 -
Water System Infrastructure Improvements MVD PFAS Treatment & CIP Wells 2, 3, 7, & 8
(PowerPoint presented at the 10/23/19 Town Council Meeting) -
Report for PFAS Treatment Feasibility Study
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Information from the 2/25/19 Public Hearing:
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Underwood Engineers Presentation – ‘Evaluation of PFAS Treatment Wells 2, 3, 7, & 8’
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Rosemarie Rung Presentation – ‘Petition Warrant Articles: Filtering Merrimack’s Water’
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Announcements:
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10/14/2019 – Announcement from BOC Chairman, Donald Provencher: MVD Awarded a $1.5 million Grant and $6.5 million loan for PFAS Treatment
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10/1/2019 – Notice from the BOC Regarding New MCL & AGQS for PFAS (mailed to all postal customers in Merrimack)
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8/1/2019 – Announcement from BOC Chairman, Donald Provencher: Signed Construction Contract for PFAS Treatment Plan
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Media/Press Releases:
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09/24/2021: Press Release: Merrimack Village District Files Lawsuit to Recover Cleanup
and Other Costs of PFAS Contamination Caused by Local Industry -
The following links contain information from multiple sources, including MVD, the NHDES, the NHDES NH PFAS Investigation website, the Town of Merrimack, NH and Underwood Engineers.
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04/16/2021: MVD’s PFAS Journey – Chapter Two
by Michael Metcalf, P.E., Underwood Engineers Senior Project Manager -
04/21/2020: MVD’s PFAS Journey – Chapter One
by Michael Metcalf, P.E., Underwood Engineers Senior Project Manager -
WMUR Video/Article – “Water filtration facility under construction to filter PFAS from Merrimack water“
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NHDES NH PFAS Investigation Press Releases
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1/2/19: NHDES Proposes New PFAS Drinking Water Standards
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9/26/18: NHDES – Public Information Meeting in Merrimack 10/10/18
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4/2/18: MVD and SGPPL Settlement Agreement
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3/27/18: PRESS RELEASE – MVD and SGPPL Settlement Agreement
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3/22/18: Private Well Owners – List of Properties to be connected to municipal water
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3/21/18: Private Well Owners – NHDES and Saint-Gobain Reach Agreement on Consent Decree
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