EPA to begin sampling well water in Dimock, Pa.

PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced recently that it plans to perform water sampling at approximately 60 homes in the Carter Road/Meshoppen Creek Road area of Dimock, Pa. to further assess whether any residents are being exposed to hazardous substances that cause health concerns.

Why?

EPA’s decision to conduct sampling is based on its review of data provided by residents, Cabot Oil and Gas and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The sampling will begin in a matter of days and the agency estimates that it will take at least three weeks to sample all the homes. All sampling is contingent on access granted to the property. EPA expects validated results from quality-tested lab to be available in about five weeks after samples are taken.

Contamination

In addition, EPA is taking action to ensure delivery of temporary water supplies to four homes where data reviewed by EPA indicates that residents’ well water contains levels of contaminants that pose a health concern. EPA will reevaluate this decision when it completes sampling of the wells at these four homes.

Current information on other wells does not support the need for alternative water at this time. However, the information does support the need for further sampling.

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