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PA American Water Releases Test Results For Drilling Wastewater

Following a full battery of tests at Pennsylvania American Water’s raw water intakes along the Allegheny, Clarion and Monongahela Rivers and Two Lick Creek, in Indiana, Pa, the company found no elevated or harmful levels of radiological contaminants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or inorganic compounds (IOCs).
            The results confirmed that the quality of the water supplied by PA American Water's treatment plants has not been impacted by radioactive materials, VOCs or IOCs from Marcellus Shale drilling wastewater.
            Analysis of the water at all sites tested determined that no detectable levels of the following radiological contaminants were found: Gross Alpha Radiation, Gross Beta Radiation, Radium-226, Radium-228, Strontium-90 and Tritium.
            The results also revealed no detectable levels of the following VOCs: Benzene; Carbon Tetrachloride; Chlorobenzene (mono); cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene; 1,2-Dichloroethane; 1,2-Dichlorobenzene (Ortho); 1,4-Dichlorobenzene(Para); 1,2-Dichloroethane; 1,1-Dichloroethylene; 1,2-Dichloropropane; Ethylbenzene; Dichloromethane; Styrene; Tetrachloroethylene; Toluene; trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene; 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene; 1,1,1-Trichloroethane; 1,1,2-Trichloroethane; Trichloroethylene (TCE); Vinyl Chloride and Xylenes (total).
            The test results showed levels well within compliance standards for 32 IOCs, including chromium, mercury, arsenic, barium, copper, lead, cyanide and boron, uranium and cadmium. In addition Pennsylvania American Water, at the request of the Department of Environmental Protection, sampled our finished drinking water at three sites (Pittsburgh Aldrich, Pittsburgh Hays Mine and Clarion) in late March 2011, for total alkalinity, bromide, chloride, pH, total dissolved solids, uranium, gross alpha radiation, radium 226, and radium 228.
            All of the data received show that all results are within all acceptable water quality standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the DEP.
            The company performed the additional testing over and above its routine sampling and monitoring for more than 90 contaminants to ensure compliance with all water quality standards. 
            PA American Water is dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality water service. The company will continue to work closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DEP to ensure that the water we provide customers meets federal and state regulatory standards.
            The complete report is available online.


5/23/2011

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