Tracking Contaminants (Volume 2)

This is the second update on the potential groundwater contamination. Since the last newsletter many activities have been moving forward. Carmichael Water District (CWD) has begun taking spilt samples with Aerojet. What is a split sample? In this case it simply means both Aerojet and CWD are taking independent water samples from the same location at the same time and then sending the samples to two separate state certified labs for analysis. The first round of sampling showed an increase in NDMA concentration from 93 parts per trillion (ppt) to 130 ppt at the monitoring well located on Grant Avenue near Hollister and the other monitoring well located off Palm Drive had none detected. Aerojet and CWD are also taking split samples at all of CWD’s sources of supply and that analysis shows CWD’s sources of supply are still clear of NDMA.

Aerojet is also in the final installation stages of three additional monitoring wells. The locations of these wells are Landis Avenue between Marshall and California; Marshall Avenue south of Fair Oaks Blvd; and Castleglen Way. The location of these monitoring wells is to assist Aerojet in identifying the leading edge of the plume.

On June 2, CWD along with co-sponsors Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, Carmichael Creek Neighborhood Association, Carmichael Colony Neighborhood Association, USEPA, Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and Aerojet hosted a Town Hall Meeting. Approximately 275 people were in attendance along with local officials from the County of Sacramento and the State Department of Health Services. The public listened to four presentations from USEPA, Regional Board, Aerojet and CWD. The information presented addressed actions USEPA has mandated; the record of decision from RWQCB; the actions Aerojet has already taken and the further steps still ahead; and the steps CWD continues to take to ensure its customers a safe reliable drinking water supply. The public then had an opportunity to ask the presenters questions. Over forty individuals asked over 150 questions of the presenters. The quality of the questions from the public was excellent.

Aerojet’s next steps will include continued water quality monitoring; potentially more monitoring wells installed; and groundwater extraction wells, pipelines and treatment facilities constructed, owned and operated by Aerojet to halt the progression of the plume.

In between newsletters, continue to keep updated by attending a CWD Board Meeting or visit CWD’s web site at www.carmichaelwd.org. Links to Aerojet, RWQCB and USEPA will be added to CWD’s web site making information gathering easier for CWD customers.