MERRIMACK – The Department of Environmental Services announced Thursday that the results of groundwater testing around the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics facility indicate the presence of a potentially carcinogenic contaminant at dangerously high levels.

"The groundwater test results were found to contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations ranging from 280 parts per trillion to 5,800 parts per trillion," DES said in a press release. "A review of the preliminary soil sampling data found PFOA soil concentrations ranging from non-detect to 30 parts per billion."

The EPA has not published a lifetime health advisory limit for PFOA exposure, but recommends avoiding short-term exposure, meaning exposure of less than 24 hours in a 30-day period, to levels above 400 parts per trillion. DES said soil sample results fall within established guidelines.

"DES compared these results against residential soil screening levels developed by the EPA, region four, of 16,000 parts per billion, and the state of Vermont, which currently has a residential soil screening level of 300 parts per billion," DES said. "The soil sample levels of PFOA detected at the Saint-Gobain facility are well below either of these screening values."

PFOA, which has been used in the manufacture of nonstick frying pans, waterproof clothing, stain proof carpeting and many other products, is not made by Saint-Gobain, company spokesperson Dina Pokedoff said.

"Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics in Merrimack produces specialty coated fabrics and films for a range of industrial applications," she said. "Saint-Gobain has never manufactured PFOA or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In the past, PFOA has been found in the PTFE raw material when purchased from suppliers."

In addition to sampling the soil and groundwater around its facility at 701 Daniel Webster Highway, Saint-Gobain has initiated testing at nearby schools, day cares and playgrounds.

"DES identified eight properties in Merrimack and Litchfield that will be tested. DES has reviewed and commented on a draft work scope, and testing is anticipated to begin late next week," DES said in a release.

When asked why Saint-Gobain would be conducting the testing instead of a state agency, Jim Martin, DES spokesperson, said that is the normal procedure for these circumstances.

"This is not unusual," he said. "DES, in our work with potentially responsible parties, routinely works with environmental consultants hired by the company, to do the required testing and work that is approved by DES. These consultants are licensed professionals hired to do the work."

Long-term exposure to PFOA has been linked to a number of serious medical conditions. A court-
ordered study of the effects of exposure demonstrated a probable link between PFOA and kidney and testicular cancer, as well as thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Some studies have shown exposure to as little as 1 part per trillion can have detrimental effects on the immune systems of newborns.

Pokedoff said the Merrimack plant has 250 employees. Drinking fountains at the plant are filtered using activated carbon and the water delivered through the Merrimack Village Water District, where one well showed PFOA levels as high as 90 parts per trillion. Pokedoff also said employees at the plant are protected by safety measures in line with local and federal guidelines and that the safety of employees and Merrimack residents is paramount.

"We are pleased that the soil tests were well below the approved screening values," she said. "We will cooperate fully with investigations into the elevated levels of PFOA in the groundwater samples taken and, in the interim, continue funding the bottled water and point-of-entry systems for affected residents and institutions. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, along with the municipal leaders of Merrimack and the state of New Hampshire, are keeping the well-being of the town a top priority."

For more information, visit des.nh.gov.

Matthew Medsger can be reached at 594-6531, mmedsger@
nashuatelegraph.com or
@Telegraph_MattM.

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