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Home My WebLink AboutDEQ-CFW_00070633S PFBA Subject: PFBA From: Fred hill <Fred.Hill@ncmail.net> Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:48:21 -0400 To: Elizabeth Kountis <Elizabeth.Kountis@ncmail.net> Per our earlier conversation, please see <http://www.startribune.com/462/story/12161?0.html> for another instance of PFBA in water. The article begins 3M chemical detected in nearly 100 private wells Levels in Cottage Grove, South St. Paul and Woodbury exceed state guidelines, and questions of risk have many in the area unsettled. IofI 6/4/2007 4:33 PM DEQ-CFW 00070633 3M chemical detected in nearly 100 private wells Page 1 of 5 J%affribunexom MINNE.A.POLIS - ST. 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By Tom Meersman, Star Tribune Last update: May 30, 2007 — 9:42 PM Print this story http://www.startribune-com/462/story/1216170.html 6/4/2007 DEQ-CFW 00070634 3M chemical detected in nearly 100 private wells C Page 2 of 5 0IJE-mail this story i Save to del.icio.us Share on newsvine Share on Digg More from Local • Severe weather threat later this week • Fargo ready to defend against Red River flooding • NTSB looks at baggage handlers in plane fuselage damage • Woman arrested in death of probation officer Porter • Missing disabled man found A former 3M chemical that has contaminated municipal wells in six east -metro communities has also been detected in nearly 100 private wells, state health officials said Wednesday. Minnesota experts do not know the potential long-term health risks from drinking water that contains PFBA, the chemical in question, but the latest findings are higher than the state's guideline of 1 part per billion. Virginia Yingling, hydrogeologist for the Minnesota Department of Health, said the wells were among 350 sampled during the past three months after the state found the chemical early this year in the public drinking water of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, Hastings, South St. Paul and Newport. Yingling said that the private well results were not surprising and that the source appears to be a 3M disposal in Woodbury that the company used decades ago to bury wastes. "A fairly substantial area of [private wells in] Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park and southwestern Woodbury are showing levels at or above 1 part per billion," Yingling said. Levels of PFBA measured in public water early this year ranged up to 2.3 parts per billion, but she said concentrations in private wells reached as high as 5.8 parts per billion. There is no official state or federal standard for PFBA, one of several compounds known as perfluorochemicals. Health officials have said citizens with the chemical in their well water may want to buy bottled water or install granular carbon filters if they're concerned. Yingling said that well owners have been notified of the results and that more private wells will be sampled where contamination levels are highest. Officials discuss the issue The research was mentioned only briefly during a half -day discussion in St. Paul that brought together about 100 local, state and federal officials, industry representatives and others. Mary Dominiak, perfluorochemical coordinator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency, said the compounds are of concern because they do not break down in the environment and they accumulate in human blood. "These chemicals don't behave like anything else on the planet," Dominiak said. "That makes them very difficult to study." She said it may be a few years before the EPA can determine what concentrations of the chemicals might be risky for human health. http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1216170.html 6/4/2007 DEQ-CFW 00070635 3M chemical detected in nearly 100 private wells Page 3 of 5 However, local officials said they don't have the luxury of waiting that long, when frustrated and concerned residents ask whether their water is safe to drink. "We're answering the phone every day trying to provide information and guidance to people," said Cindy Weckwerth, a program specialist for public health and the environment in Washington County. Cottage Grove Mayor Sandy Shiely said the concern also goes beyond health to uncertainty about property values, and attracting new businesses and residential development. "All these issues affect the sense of well-being in our communities," said Rep. Julie Bunn, DFL-Lake Elmo. About the chemicals PFBA was used in photographic film and other products. It is part of a larger family of compounds, including PFOS and PFOA, formerly manufactured by 3M for use in Scotchgard, Teflon and dozens of other products. Perfluorochemicals have also contaminated drinking water in Oakdale and Lake Elmo, and have been found in fish in the Mississippi River near 3M's Cottage Grove plant and in Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. 3M officials have said that at concentrations found in the environment, the compounds have never shown any adverse health effects, even to company workers who were exposed to much higher levels. Tom Sinks, deputy director of the National Center for Environmental Health, said that it's reassuring that studies done so far have not shown problems, but that it's premature to conclude that exposure to the compounds is risk -free. "We haven't done the number of health studies that we need to conclude that they're safe," he said. Tom Meersman • 612-673-7388 • meersmai-i@startribune.com Ad Links $50 in free clicks Lose 25 Pounds This Month Oprah and CBS featured Hoodia, a dieting miracle. Try a Free Sample www.mylipoplex.com Because Love Lives On... Diamonds created from carbon of your loved one as a precious memorial. www.LifeGem.com Gyms Near You Find your local gym. Online Tours & Free Trials. We know Health Clubs. www.gymticket.com Mortgage Rates at 3.0% $150,000 loan for $391/month - refinance, home equity and purchase. Refi nance. LeadSteps. com Get the Star Try -ve'e to your home each clay€,, . Click here to subscribe. Popul r Stones`Mostematled Most read http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1216170.html 6/4/2007 DEQ-CFW 00070636 3M chemical detected in nearly 100 private wells Page 4 of 5 • Woman arrested in death of probation officer Porter • Beagle who fled crash reunited with owner • It was enough to make you scream - and Torii did • Fargo reams to defend against Red River flooding • NTSB looks at baggage handlers in plane fusela eg damage • Sid Hartman: Spielman impressed with draft choices • Moorhead police 'collar' loose snake hoppin-Cl ss ie Find jobs by keyword: More Options Antique & Estate & Garden & Cabin Furnishings Auction By Luther Auctions Mon. 289 similar items on ShopMinnesota T p Job at,egal SecretaryFredrikson & Byron oAuto TechnicianPoquet Auto oOffice C1erkA distributor of stainless steel pipe,vArchitectSEH valve and fittings otz Camera + More Top Jobs oAutomotive - Customer Su pportKunz Oil Company RArtMpls College Of Art & Design °Financial: CREDIT ANALYSTNorth Star Bank oVice President of AdvancementChildrens Home Society & Fam http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1216170.html 6/4/2007 DEQ-CFW 00070637