Rehoboth Wells Tested After Sludge Dumping

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has tested 18 town wells after toxic sludge was dumped on a site on Almeida Road. According to Robert Materne, chairman of the Rehoboth Conservation Commission: “seventeen have PFA and PFO levels that are below the maximum safe limit, and a number of those don't register any PFAs- PFOs. One well was high, DEP is trying to figure out the source.”

The website Environmental Working Group (https://act.ewg.org) notes: “PFAS, the family of compounds including Teflon, is found not only in pots and pans but also in the blood of people around the world, including 99 percent of Americans. PFAS chemicals pollute water, do not break down, and remain in the environment and people for decades. Some scientists call them "forever chemicals.”

Approximately 300 truckloads of sewage sludge were dumped by a company called EarthSource last March. Materne told the Reporter that DEP and the Commission have agreed to divide the responsibilities.  “They will handle EarthSource, we will oversee the restoration once the material is removed and clear of any POSSIBLE toxins,” Materne noted. “The lab has yet to send the final test results even though DEP paid a considerable amount to expedite the testing. We do not know if there even is a high level of toxins.”

The DEP had tested the sludge because of the huge size of the alteration of wetlands, which ended up being seven acres. Two samples were taken. “There are other chemicals outside of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in that sludge and in that area,” Water Commissioner Joseph Nunes said last August.

Materne explained DEP has been waiting for comments from the Department of Agriculture since the property was also in the APR program. “Once DEP hears from them and has the lab results, the material should start leaving,” Materne added. “It will take longer for the material to leave than it took to bring in. We don't want careless removal methods to make the situation worse.”

Tish Vadnais, a member of the Water Commission and the Agricultural Commission, complained about a lack of communication at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting. The two commissions, along with the Planning Board and the Board of Health, attended a special meeting on August 9 with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the dumping of the sludge and the potential impact on groundwater.

“We haven’t had an update because every week we’re expecting that answer to come with the test,” Selectman Rob Johnson said. “Once that’s here, then everybody’s going to know everything.” Johnson told Vadnais about the 17 wells which tested negative for PFAS. “That information has not been forwarded to any of the groups that sat here and asked the Conservation Commission to pass that on,” Vadnais said. “We all agreed that we all need to be on the same page and we’re not on any page whatsoever.”

“We’ll correct it,” Johnson replied.