The Department of Energy has proposed modifying the cleanup plan for contaminated groundwater in western Manorville. After reviewing several years of groundwater monitoring data and receiving additional comments from regulatory agencies, the plan has been changed to employ carbon filtration to clean up this localized area of groundwater contamination, as mentioned in a July mailing to residents.
Groundwater just southeast of the Laboratory's boundary contains the once-commonly used pesticide ethylene dibromide (EDB) at levels well above drinking water standards. The original cleanup plan involved monitoring the EDB as it degraded over time. Observations indicated, however, that the EDB was not degrading as quickly as expected. In addition, treatment technologies have improved over the past several years.
As a result, the Department is recommending installation of a groundwater treatment unit in an undeveloped area of Manorville near North Street. A 30-day public comment period on the proposal was open from July 24 to August 24. Comments were also recorded during an August 8 information session in Manorville. All written comments will be considered before a final decision is rendered. For more information, go to www.oer.dir.bnl.gov/water/ou6/ou6-facts.html.