HomeMy WebLinkAbout980023_Fulghum Well Nitrate exceedances_20230503ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Earl Fulghum
7462 Wilkerson Loop
Sims, NC 27880
And
NORTH CAROLINA
Envi!ronmentaf Quality
May 3, 2023
Mathew Justin Fulghum and Brittany Wooten FuIghum
7522 Benchmark Road
Kenly, NC 27542-7813
Re: Fulghum Well Sample (AD008416)
7462 Wilkerson Loop
Sims, NC Wilson County
Dear Mr. Fulghum:
Enclosed is the Health Risk Evaluation containing information and recommendations for uses of
private well water containing Nitrate as N levels above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) from the
North Carolina Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB) concerning the water sample
(sample ID: AD008416) collected from your water supply well on March 22, 2023. if you have any questions about
the "Recommendations for Uses of Your Private Well Water", please contact the Occupational and Environmental
Epidemiology Branch at (919) 707-5900.
The Division recommends that you have your well water tested periodically for the presence of
contaminants.
Please call me at the number listed below if you have any questions or have not received a copy of the
analytical results for your well water test.
Sincerely,
�. Scott Vinson
Environmental Program Supervisor
Raleigh Regional Office
c: RRO-APS Files
APS Central Files
Wilson County Health Department
Attachment: Health Risk Evaluation
North Carolina Department of Environmental Qualiq Division of WaterResources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
�� 919.791 A200
AD06416 North Carolina Division of Water Resources Water Sciences Section_ Laboratory Results
Loc. Descr.:
Strother Farm Fulahum Well
County:
Wilson Collector:
J BERNARD
VisitlD
Region:
Raleigh Report To
RRO
Location ID: RRO NLC
River Basin
Collect Date:
03/2212023
Priority COMPLIANCE
Emergency
Collect Time:
10_15
Sample Matrix: GROUNDWATER
COC Yes/No
Sample Depth
Loc. Type:
Final Report
Sample ID:
AD08416
PO Number #
Date Received:
031=2023
Time Received:
14:40
Labworks LoginlD
TASCENZ01
Delivery Method
Hand Delivered
Final Report Date:
511123
Report Print Date:
0=612023
If this report Is labeled preliminary report, the results have not been validated. Do not use for Regulatory purposes.
Resultl Units Method Analysis
CAS # Analyte Name P L Qualifier Reference Date
LAB
Sample temperature at receipt by lab 2.5 T 3122123
Validated by
MSWIFT
pH in Liquid by Microbiology
MIC
5.6
pH Units
3122123
JJURGEVICH
766441-7
NH3 as N in liquid
0.05
NUT
0.05 U
mg/L as N
EPA 350.1 REV 2
415/23
ALWILLIAMS
14797-55-8
Nitrate as N in liquid
0.03
17
mg1L as N
EPA 353.2 REV 2
416/23
ALWILLIAMS
14797-65-0
Nitrite as N in liquid
0.02
0.02 U
mg/L as N
EPA 353.2 REV 2
$123123
ALWILLIAMS
E701177
NO2+NQ3 as N in liquid
0.75
17 P
mg1L as N
EPA 353.2 REV 2
415/23
ALWILLIAMS
7723-1"
Phosphorus -total as P in liquid
0.03
0.11 J4
mg1L as P
EPA 365.1 REV 2
416/23
ALWILLIAMS
TKN_N
Total Kjeldahl N as N in liquid
2
2.0 U,J3,
mg/L as N
EPA351.2 REV 2
4126/23
ALWILLIAMS
24959-67-9
Bromide
0.4
WET
0.4 U
mg/L
EPA 300.0 rev2.1
3124/23
ALWILLIAMS
16887-00-6
Chloride
1.0
20
mg/L
EPA 300.0 rev2.1
3124/23
ALWILLIAMS
16984.48-8
Fluoride
0.4
0.4 U
mg/L
EPA 300.0 rev2.1
3124/23
ALWILLIAMS
14808-79-8
Sulfate
2.0
4.6
mgIL
EPA 300.0rev2.1
3/24/23
ALWILLIAMS
Total Dissolved Solids in liquid
12
210
mg/L
SM 2540 C-1997
3/23123
ALWILLIAMS
7440-09-7
K by ICP
0.10
MET
3.7
mg/L
EPA 200.7 Rev4.4
3/30/23
JJURGEVICH
WSS Chemistry Laboratorys? 1623 !Nail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1623 1919)133-3908
"Not Detected" or "U" does not indicate the sample is analyte free but that the analyte is not detected at or above the POL.
Page 1 of 3
NCOUAP.Laboratory Section ftsults/Sampre Comments/Quafifier(Definitions
Sample ID: AD08416
Result/ Method Analvsis
NCDEQ-WSS-Chemistry Lab Data Qualifiers
Al The reported value is an average, where at least one result is qualified with a "U". The PQL is used for the qualified result(S) to cal,
B1 Coliform-Countable membranes with less than 20 colonies. Reported value is estimated or is a total of the counts on all filters repor
B2 Coliform-Counts from all filters were zero.
B3 Coliform-Countable membranes with more than 60 or 80 colonies. The value reported is calculated using the count from the smaller
B4 Coliform-Filters have counts of both >60 or 80 and <20. Reported value is estimated or is a total of the counts on all filters reported
B5 Coliform-Too many colonies were present; too numerous to count (TNTC). TNTC is generally defined as >150 colonies.
B6 Coliform-Estimated Value. Blank contamination evident.
B7 Coliform-Many non-coliform or non-enterococcus colonies or interfering non-coliform or non-enterococcus growth present. In this cc
BB1 MPN-No wells or tubes gave a positive reaction. Value based upon the appropriate MPN Index and reported as a less than "<" valu
13132 MPN-All wells or tubes gave positive reactions. Value based upon the MPN Index and reported as a greater than ">" value.
C Total residual chlorine was present in sample upon receipt in the laboratory; value is estimated.
G1 BOD-The dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion of the dilution water blank exceeded 0.2 mg/L.
G2 BOD-The bacterial seed controls did not meet the requirement of a DO depletion of at least 2.0 mg/L and/or a DO residual of at lea.
G3 BOD-No sample dilution met the requirement of a DO depletion of at least 2.0 mg/L and/or a DO residual of at least 1.0 mg/L.
G4 BOD-Evidence of toxicity. This is generally characterized by a significant increase in the BOD value as the sample concentration de
G5 BOD-The glucose/ glutamic acid standard exceeded the range of 198 t 30.5 mg/L.
G7 BOD-Less than 1 mg/L DO remained for all dilutions set. The reported value is an estimated greater than value and is calculated for
G8 BOD-Oxygen usage is less than 2 mg/L for all dilutions set. The reported value is an estimated less than value and is calculated for
G9 BOD The DO depletion of the dilution water blank produced a negative value.
Ji Surrogate recovery limits have been exceeded.
J10 Unidentified peak; estimated value.
WSS Chemistry Laboratory» 1623 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1623 (919) 733-3908
"Not Detected" or T" does not indicate the sample is anaMe free but that the analyte is not detected at or above the PQL.
Page 2 of 3
NC OVNR. LaboratorySection (RfsnCts/Sampfe Comments/Quah)%r(Definitions
Sample ID: A008416
me n..,r.►. �,. fl^, Result/ Method Analysis
t.iganner units Kererence uate Validated by
J11 The reported value is determined by a one -point estimation rather than against a regression equation. The estimated concentration
J12 The calibration verification did not meet the calibration acceptance criterion for field parameters.
J2 The reported value failed to meet the established quality control criteria for either precision or accuracy.
J3 The sample matrix interfered with the ability to make any accurate determination.
J4 The data is questionable because of improper laboratory or field protocols (e.g., composite sample was collected instead of grab, p
J5 Temperature limits exceeded (samples frozen or >6°C) during transport or not verifiable (e.g., no temperature blank provided): non-
J6 The laboratory analysis was from an unpreserved or improperly chemically preserved sample. The data may not be accurate.
R This qualifier is used to identify analyte concentration exceeding the upper calibration range of the analytical instrument/method. Th
J8 Temperature limits exceeded (samples frozen or >6°C) during storage, the data may not be accurate.
J9 The reported value is determined by a one -point estimation rather than against a regression equation. The estimated concentration
M Sample and duplicate results are "out of control'. The sample is non -homogenous (e.g., VOA soil). The reported value is the lower,
N1 Presumptive evidence and estimated value. The component has been tentatively identified base on mass spectral library.
N2 There is an indication that the analyte is present, but quality control requirements for confirmation were not met (i.e., presence of g
N3 This code shall be used if the level is too low to permit accurate quantification, but the estimated concentration is less than the labo
N4 This code shall be used if the level is too low to permit accurate quantification, but the estimated concentration is less than the labo
N5 The component has been tentatively identified based on a retention time standard.
P Elevated PQL" due to matrix interference and/or sample dilution.
Q1 Holding time exceeded prior to receipt by lab.
02 Holding time exceeded following receipt by lab.
S Not enough sample provided to prepare and/or analyze a method -required matrix spike (MS) and/or matrix spike duplicate (MSD).
U Indicates that the analyte was analyzed for but not detected above the reported practical quantitation limit". The number value repo
U. A The laboratory analysis was from an unpreserved or improperly chemically preserved sample. The data may not be accurate.
UU Indicates that the analyte was not detected by a screen analysis. The number value was determined by a one -point estimation at tt
V Indicates the analyte was detected in both the sample and the associated method blank. Note: The value in the blank shall not be s
X1 Sample not screened for this compound.
X2 Sampled, but analysis lost or not performed -field error.
X3 Sampled, but analysis lost or not performed -lab error.
Y Elevated PQL" due to insufficient sample size.
Z1 Inability to analyze the sample.
Z2 Questions concerning data reliability.
J13 Standards used for this analyte are from an uncertified source. These are the only standards currently available for the analyte.
WSS Chemistry Laboratory» 1623 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1623 (919) 7334908
"Not Detected' or "U" does not indicate the sample is analyte free but that the analyte is not detected at or above the PQL.
Page 3 of 3
a►
0
What is nitrate and nitrite?
Nitrate and nitrite are nitrogen compounds, with nitrogen,
a natural gas, bound to oxygen. Nitrate and nitrite are
found in water, air, soil, and rocks deep underground.
Nitrate and nitrite are used to preserve food, in medical
drugs and to produce ammunition and explosives. Nitrate
Is used in most inorganic fertilizers.
How does nitrate and nitrite
get in my private well water?
Nitrate and nitrite can enter your private well water from
erosion of rocks underground and leaching from soil into
groundwater. Rain may wash out nitrate and nitrite from
animal waste and nitrogen containing fertilizers at the
surface to groundwater.
How can nitrate and nitrite
affect my health?
Nitrate and nitrite are sources of nitrogen for your body.
Nitrogen is a major part of proteins and deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA). However, drinking high levels of nitrate and
nitrite may cause adverse health effects. You can't smell,
taste or see nitrate or nitrite.
Drinking high levels of nitrate and nitrite can lead to
decreased oxygen transport throughout the body.
This may cause:
• Decreased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
Pregnant women and infants less than six months of age
are very sensitive to nitrate and nitrite toxicity.
i
1
7rl-
At
What level of nitrate and nitrite
should I be concerned about?
The NC Department of Environmental Quality developed
a groundwater standard of 10 milligrams of nitrate per liter
of water (mg/I.) and 1.0 milligram of nitrite per liter of
water (mg/L). Ground water standards are developed to
protect public health. This standard was developed In 2013.
The US Environmental Protection Agency used the same
values for public drinking water standards. Public drinking
water standards are based on public health protection and
cost of treatment/testing at large utilities.These standards
were developed in 1992 and validated in 2017.
How do I test for nitrate and
nitrite in my private well?
Use a certified lab to test your well water for nitrate and
nitrite every two years, as part of the inorganic panel
screen. Contact the private well program at your county
health department to assist you with getting your water
tested. Pricing of testing varies from county to county.
What if my nitrate and nitrite
levels are high?
If there are infants or pregnant women at the residence, you
can install a treatment system to reduce the levels of nitrate
and nitrite in your private well. Treatment systems that reduce
the levels of nitrate and nitrite in your well water include.
• Anion exchange
• Distillation
• Reverse osmosis
You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled water
or connecting to public water supply, if possible.
Percent of Private Wells Tested Exceedir
and Federal Standards for Nitrate, 2011-:
Percent of Private Wells Tested Exceedir
and Federal Standards for NhMe, 2011 2
- >25% exceeded health standards
_ 10,25% exaeded health standards
410% excseded health standards
0% exceeded health standards
InsuHici nd data (4910 welle tasted)
Where are nitrate and nitrite
found in NC?
Nitrate is found at varying levels (1-97 mg/Q throughout
NC. Less than I%of wells sampled for nitrate in NC from
2011 to 2013 exceeded state and federal standards. Yet,
there are several areas in NC with at least 10% of the wells
exceeding state and federal standards. See map for areas
with elevated nitrate.
Nitrite is found at varying levels (0.1-2.1 mg/L) throughout
NC. Less than 1 % of wells sampled For nitrite In NC from
2011 to 2013 exceeded state and federal standards. Yet,
there are several areas in NC with at least 10% of the wells
exceeding state and federal standards. See map for areas
with elevated nitrite.
Where can 1 find more
information about nitrate and
nitrite and my well?
Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well and
Health Program website: htjpJ&pl.nubllchealth.ns•goy[
There you can find:
• Contacts for your county private well program
• Nitrate and nitrite in well water maps
• A guide for selecting a treatment system
• Other private well resources
You can also call the Private Well and Health Program
at 919-707-5900.
Where did this information
come from?
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry:
World Health Organization: www whmint/water
sanitation health/dwa/chemicals/nitratenitrite2ndaddgiff
National Sanitation Foundation: -
resourcec/what-is-03L-ceLUfiotion/water-fiiters-treatment-
Water Quality Association:
Technicalibchnical%20Fact%aOSheets/201 4
Nitrated p
NC Depart neMaf Hoalth and Human Services • Division of Public Health • BPldemiology Section • Occupetlenal andOwbonroantat
I* & Epidanlology Branch . Private Well and Health Program • ajpw9ramjbWbMmLhtnd • NMHHS ban
►Ma= equal opportunilyemployer and provider. • OW2019