Blasting and Wells

Blasting can contaminate groundwater by releasing explosive residue in the ground and by releasing naturally occurring contaminates like radon and arsenic into groundwater wells through shifts and fissures in bedrock.

The Austinite powder that CCA is using for explosives can contaminate groundwater with nitrate. The immediate health concern is the conversion of nitrate to nitrite in the digestive tract by nitrate reducing bacteria. Nitrite is readily absorbed into the blood where it combines with the hemoglobin that carries oxygen. It forms methemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen. The reduced oxygen supply to the body tissues causes physical stress. When severe enough, nitrate poisoning is life threatening because of suffocation. This condition is called methemoglobinemia. Pregnant women, those with health infirmities and infants are the most susceptible to nitrate poisoning. Cattle, sheep, goats and horses are more susceptible to nitrate poisoning then people or other animals. Many abuters and neighbors to the CCA quarry Freetown/Berkley property own cattle, sheep, goats and horses.

Radon is a gas that is a natural product of the breakdown of uranium in the soil. Blasting can release radon into the groundwater of nearby wells. The EPA states that using household water containing radon contributes to elevated indoor radon levels in the home. Radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the United States. The Center for Disease Control warns that ingesting water contaminated by radon may increase chances of developing lung cancer.

Blasting can release naturally occurring pockets of arsenic into groundwater in private wells. Arsenic is odorless and tasteless. When ingested it causes thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in the hands and feet, partial paralysis and blindness. High levels of arsenic consumption can cause death. The EPA states that arsenic has been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver and prostate.

In a meeting with residents in February, CCA refused to place monitoring wells on their property for the neighbors who are down gradient of their site. These residents would be most vulnerable to well contamination. CCA has placed monitoring wells on the Berkley portion of their property which is up gradient of the site. In their presentation to the Berkley Board of Health they asked for a permit for the monitoring wells in order to help them proceed with their plans for bringing the larger portion of the quarry into Berkley.