Secretary Pritchard and Commissioner Golledge stated that the proposed standards are protective of public health, particularly for sensitive populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and individuals with low levels of thyroid hormones. Perchlorate has been found to interfere with thyroid function, which could lead to impaired human development and metabolism.

"Perchlorate is an emerging contaminant that has raised a red flag for environmental agencies and public health officials across the country," Secretary Pritchard said. "These proposed standards ensure that the water is safe to drink for all citizens of the Commonwealth, requiring regular monitoring for perchlorate into the future."

"Testing results from studies across the country have found perchlorate in many things, including water, food and milk," Commissioner Golledge said. "A perchlorate standard of 2 ppb provides the best overall protection of public health, while setting a cleanup standard that is feasible and attainable."

Perchlorate Found in Numerous Sources

Perchlorate is a chemical that can be found in blasting agents, fireworks, military munitions, and other manufacturing processes, and can be generated in small amounts within existing water treatment processes.

The proposed regulations require parties responsible for perchlorate contamination to clean up the contamination and for all drinking water supplies to contain no more than 2 ppb of perchlorate. The regulations also require regular testing for perchlorate in all public water systems.

MassDEP has proposed the 2 ppb standard based on a thorough review of the scientific data available on perchlorate, including analysis performed by independent scientists at the National Academy of Sciences. In setting the proposed perchlorate standards, MassDEP used long-standing protocols previously utilized in the setting of over 200 chemical standards for drinking water and for the cleanup of groundwater at waste sites.

No federal standards regulating perchlorate levels in drinking water currently exist. The MassDEP standards are 12 times stricter than the "preliminary cleanup goal" of 24.5 ppb released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last year.

Perchlorate was first detected in 2002 in the aquifer under the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod, when it was found to be moving toward drinking water wells in the town of Bourne. In 2003, MassDEP set an advisory guideline of 1 ppb for the presence of perchlorate in drinking water supplies, while further research was conducted on the chemical and whether it was prevalent in the state's water sources.

In 2004, MassDEP required all drinking water systems - approximately 800 statewide - to test for the presence of perchlorate in their drinking water sources. Test results indicated perchlorate above the interim guidance level at sites in Boxborough, Boxford, Chesterfield, Hadley, Millbury, Southbridge, Tewksbury, Westford, Westport and Williamstown. Those sites were required to take specific actions to address the contamination, which included disconnecting the contaminated source from the system, using bottled water, or constructing a treatment system.

Public Hearings Begin April 10 in Bourne

MassDEP will be seeking public comment on the proposed regulations between April 10, 2006 and May 12, 2006. Comments may be sent to: David Terry, MassDEP Drinking Water Program, 1 Winter Street, Sixth Floor, Boston, MA 02108.

Public hearings will also be held on the following dates:

• April 10, 2006 - 5 p.m., Peebles Elementary School gymnasium, 70 Trowbridge Rd., Bourne.
• April 11, 2006 - 3 p.m., MassDEP Boston Office, 1 Winter St., 2nd floor conference room, Boston.
• April 19, 2006 - 4 p.m., MassDEP Northeast Regional Office, 205B Lowell St., Wilmington.
• April 20, 2006 - 4 p.m., MassDEP Southeast Regional Office, 20 Riverside Dr., Lakeville.
• April 25, 2006 - 3 p.m., MassDEP Western Regional Office, 436 Dwight St., Springfield.
• April 27, 2006 - 4 p.m., MassDEP Central Regional Office, 627 Main St., Worcester.

Full copies of the proposed regulations are available on MassDEP's web site at: http://mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/percinfo.htm

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