CHAPTER 2 - CCAMP STUDY AREA: TOWNS OF BARNSTABLE AND EASTHAM 



Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project Page 15 



In order to quantify the threat that pesticide application poses to ground- 

 water quality on Cape Cod, a program of random sampling of private drink- 

 ing water wells, and monitoring wells is needed. 



2.5.8 Toxic and Hazardous Materials 



Toxic and hazardous materials contamination of groundwater is one of 

 the most serious problems confronting Cape Cod. Even minute concentrations 

 (a few parts per billion) of synthetic organic compounds can render a 

 water supply non-potable. 



New analytical data suggest that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 

 groundwater pose a much more significant contamination problem than was 

 previously believed. Recent testing of shallow private wells around 

 selected Cape Cod landfills and in other areas indicates that VOCs may 

 present an imminent health hazard to residents. It should be noted that 

 many of these VOCs as well as other toxic and hazardous materials , which 

 are known or suspected carcinogens, are frequently used full strength or 

 as a constitutent in products for a number of land-use activities (refer 

 to CCAMP Guide to Contamination Sources for Wellhead Protection) for a 

 wide variety of commercial and industrial uses and in numerous household 

 products. Thus, the potential for groundwater contamination from these 

 materials will continue to increase as Cape Cod's business and residential 

 populations expand and as long as there are no safe substitutes for these 

 toxic and hazardous materials. Many businesses that use hazardous 

 materials in significant quantities do not have the appropriate knowledge 

 concerning their safe use, storage and disposal. Similarly, homeowners 

 are also capable of using significant quantities of hazardous materials, 

 such as septic -tank- cleaning solvents, degreasers, and paint thinners as 

 part of special work projects that can also threaten groundwater quality 

 from thier activities. 



2.5.9 Road Salt 



Application of road-deicing salt during winter months is an identifi- 

 able cause of groundwater degradation. The Massachusetts Department of 

 Public Works typically applies 300 pounds of salt per lane mile during 

 each storm. The salt eventually washes off the road. Certain public 

 wells and numerous private wells near highways on Cape Cod show elevated 

 sodium levels and one well has been closed due to sodium contamination 

 from a nearby highway. 



