NDEP is a real pain in the a.....Arsenic removal may prove costly for Spring Creek Utilities
By JOHN SENTS — Staff Writer
Saturday, March 7, 2009 4:07 AM PST
ELKO — Spring Creek Utility Co. wells that provide water to the area’s 200 tract exceed federal requirements for arsenic content, and officials from the company say it could cost millions to correct the problem.
While the water exceeds federal standards for arsenic, officials stressed the levels in these few wells is not an immediate health risk.
Judy Neubert, an environmental scientist with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, said arsenic issues are being addressed in wells throughout the western United States. The federal standards for this chemical element dropped from 50 to 10 parts per billion in early 2006.
Some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of 10 parts per billion over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. However, Neubert said these effects are seen more often in areas with extremely high arsenic concentrations, such as 600 parts per billion.
Paul Burris, regional vice president of operations for Spring Creek Utilities’ parent company Utilities Inc., said the water from these wells is the same water that residents there have received since the 1970s.
The average level of arsenic in the 200 tract water system during a 2005 to 2007 compliance period was 44 parts per billion, according to the public notice, above the new 10 parts per billion standard.
Burris said the 44 number is the highest arsenic level from one of the wells. He said that well has been shut off except for emergencies and times when heavy water use is needed. He said the other wells supplying the 200 tract are about 20 parts per billion and about 90 percent of the water this tract receives year round comes from them.
He said the company has looked for ways to address the change, and it may cost $6 million to
$7 million to correct.
It is looking at constructing new wells, a water tank and booster system instead of treating the current wells, which he said would be more costly.
“By doing it this way, we are not adding chemicals to the water,” Burris said. “It would be much lower cost in operating than putting in treatment facilities.”
Engineering plans for the new infrastructure must be approved by NDEP and the Nevada Public Utilities Commission.
Spring Creek Utilities recently initiated big rate increases to recoup costs for improvements to its water system. Burris said the company will probably file another rate case with the state Public Utilities Commission in 2011.
He said the majority of the system will hopefully be on line by 2011, as well.
The public notice from Spring Creek Utilities indicated it has submitted an application for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan program to fund and it is on the priority list.
An arsenic rule exemption for Spring Creek Utilities expired Jan. 23. Burris said the company is working closely with NDEP to make a plan for compliance with the federal regulations.
Reverse osmosis machines are effective in removing arsenic from water, Neubert said, but boiling water will not help. The public notice recommended using bottled water for consumption until the arsenic issue is resolved.
The 200 tract includes the mobile home section near Khoury’s.
Spring Creek Utilities has a regular public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. March 18 at Spring Creek Elementary School. For information call the company at 753-6889.