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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