High uranium, arsenic found in N.B. wells
Published Thursday November 20th, 2008
New tests find higher than acceptable levels in Harvey
FREDERICTON - New test results show high levels of uranium and arsenic in well water in the Harvey area.
The new results show that 16 per cent of the well water samples contained more uranium than the acceptable level of 20 micrograms per litre. The numbers are consistent with those found in a 1981 study, which had not been released to the public until last spring.
The 1981 study concluded that 23 per cent of samples taken contained levels of uranium exceeding the guideline.
The department of health also found arsenic to be above the acceptable level in 33 per cent of the water samples.
Health Minister Michael Murphy said all residents who submitted samples to the department earlier this year were notified of their test results within days of providing their sample.
"We are releasing this summary so the community can be informed of the overall results," he said.
From May to August this year, the Health Department conducted tests of 525 water samples of homes and businesses in the Village of Harvey and along Route 3 to York Mills.
The Health Department said free radon-in-air testing will also be conducted over the winter for people in the Harvey area who registered for the service. Radon is a gas produced naturally by uranium as it decays. During the winter months, conditions are optimal for the most accurate results of tests for radon.
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