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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL SAMPLING RESULTS FOR FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIA IN THE BLACKSTONE RIVER PROVIDENCE - Test results from water quality samples taken Tuesday and Wednesday by the Department of Environmental Management and US Filter from the Blackstone River have shown that fecal coliform bacteria levels are declining in the Woonsocket area. DEM has taken water samples since last Friday to determine whether the October 2 sewage discharge from the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District has impacted the Blackstone River in Rhode Island.While water quality samples in the Woonsocket area were around 1700 fc/100 ml on Monday, levels declined to 1100 fc/100ml on Tuesday, and dropped to 230 fc/100 ml on Wednesday. Results of DEM samples collected elsewhere along the river between Woonsocket and Pawtucket on Wednesday indicate that levels are between 230-500 fc/100ml, slightly above the acceptable swimming level of 200 fc/100 ml. The results may indicate that as the discharge moves down the river, it may be experiencing dilution from tributaries to the Blackstone, and the relatively sunny weather may also be killing the bacteria off. DEM is awaiting the results of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's water quality sampling performed on Wednesday. DEM will conduct additional water quality sampling again on Friday at five locations between Woonsocket and Pawtucket. As a precaution, DEM and the Department of Health continue to advise people to refrain from contact recreation along the Blackstone River and to avoid consuming fish from the river until further notice. -30- |
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