Unsafe chemical levels found in two Rogersville wells

Missouri Department of Natural Resources is trying to determine the source of a cleaning solvent found in two private wells just west of Rogersville.

DNR sampled 33 private wells in Rogersville in the last week of March, according to a DNR news release, and six were detected to have trichloroethylene, a chemical used in cleaning solvents. Two of those six had levels higher than what is considered safe by federal drinking water standards.

The six wells are located south of U.S. Highway 60, west of South Farm Road 253, east of South Farm Road 241 and north of East Blueberry Lane. Residents of the land containing the two highly contaminated wells have been notified, and residents of the other four are being notified.

The inquiry started when a small cluster of wells near the Compass Plaza commercial area showed TCE. No TCE has been found in the city's two municipal wells, including the drinking water for the Logan-Rogersville public schools, the release said. DNR will return to Rogersville next week to resample the six wells and to test additional wells in a one-mile radius.

TCE is a nonflammable, colorless liquid used as a solvent to remove grease from metal, according to the release. It is also an ingredient in adhesives, paint remover and spot remover. Long-term exposure to low levels of TCE can increase certain health issues, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including nervous system issues and effects on the liver and kidneys.

DNR says that residents who want their well tested or have questions can call the department or visit the department's Web site.[[In-content Ad]]