Fredericton residents worried about chromium levels in well water
New tests of area that suffered chemical spill show levels higher than in October
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 | 2:15 PM AT
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Residents affected by a chemical spill in a neighbourhood in Fredericton last fall have learned that higher than expected levels of chromium trioxide were found in a test well in their area.
The provincial government told people living near Evergreen Park about the results of the latest tests last Friday.
In late October 2008, residents living in 10 homes in the area were told not to drink their well water after more than 2,700 litres of chromium trioxide spilled at a nearby business, Custom Machine & Hardchrome.
The water advisory was issued even though initial tests conducted by the Department of Health at the time indicated chromium was at an acceptable level.
Residents like Ruth Peterson say they are worried about the results of the latest tests.
"I don't think I would ever feel safe to drink the water unless they [health officials] moved out and drank it every day with us," Peterson told CBC News on Tuesday. "Let them drink it for a while, and then we'll drink it, maybe, but I don't ever think I'll feel safe," she said.
Peterson said she felt her house has lost its value since the chemical spill happened nearly three months ago.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has been providing drinking water to affected residents. Officials have told them they can still use their well water to bathe, do laundry or wash dishes.
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