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PFAS only part of reason for rate hike

By Adam Urquhart - Staff Writer | Apr 4, 2019

MERRIMACK – A number of health officials and community partners gathered at Merrimack High School Wednesday evening to discuss concerns about hazardous PFAS chemicals, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Merrimack Village District Commissioner Don Provencher wanted to address some questions about the $14.5 million water rate increase that will result from the two warrant articles passed during the March 26 annual district meeting.

In a March 29 email to The Telegraph, New Hampshire state Rep. Wendy Thomas, D-Merrimack, stated: “On Tuesday night, as a direct result of our efforts, Merrimack voted to pass two warrant articles that will cost our town $14.5 million and which will increase water bills by 79 percent.”

“The town voted to do this as a direct result of our little group’s constant advocacy. In keeping at it and not backing down from naysayers, we were able to move mountains to help keep our residents safe from PFAS contamination,” Thomas continued in her email.

In addition to be a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Thomas has been a vocal member of the advocacy group, Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water.

Wednesday, however, Provencher said only a portion of this 79 percent increase is due to PFAS.

He said only 31 percent of that figure relates to PFAS treatment. He said the rate then increases to 55 percent when adding the costs for iron and manganese treatment at well 3.

Provencher said the rate again increases from 55 percent to 79 percent based on current liabilities, which are projects already underway. He said these other projects have been in the pipeline during the last couple years or so, including the Turkey Hill booster pump.

“We’re hoping, someday, to recoup some of that cost from polluters,” Provencher said.

Although the increase may appear steep on the surface, he said the number of people buying bottled water (because they don’t believe Merrimack’s water is safe) are spending more than that.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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