BLACKSTONE — Town Administrator Chad Lovett reports that the Town of Blackstone’s drinking water remains safe following a lawsuit filed last week by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AG) against a local business that allegedly conducted environmentally hazardous activities potentially affecting wetlands on Town property.
After learning of the lawsuit and the allegations against the business, identified as Marchand, LLC., Town Administrator Lovett promptly contacted the Blackstone Water Department and the Board of Health to address any potential hazards. Town officials were reassured by the most recent test results, which currently indicate no negative impact on the water quality of the wells near the business. Marchand, LLC., a septic pumping and hauling business located at 25 Elm St., is adjacent to town-owned property where freshwater wells #6 and #6a are located approximately 1,000 feet from the property line.
The most recent test was conducted on May 7, 2024. Per Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandates, all water sources in town must be tested once per month. Town officials reviewed water testing results from the area dating back to last year when the alleged activity by the business was believed to have begun, and the results indicated that there were no elevated levels of bacteria present during that time.
As a proactive measure, and out of an abundance of caution, Town Administrator Lovett has ordered that the wells located near the business be tested once per week until further notice. The results of these tests will be regularly published on the Town’s website, after receiving them from the testing laboratory, and can be accessed at www.TownofBlackstone.org.
“We take these allegations very seriously and will do everything we can to ensure our community has a safe and healthy supply of fresh water,” said Town Administrator Lovett. “While this is largely an issue between the Attorney General’s Office and a private business, we will be closely monitoring the situation and any impacts there may be on the Town.”
The Town of Blackstone, through its legal counsel, is actively engaging with the AG’s Office to represent its interests and ensure they are duly considered in the ongoing proceedings.
The Town of Blackstone will provide further updates as they become available and will keep the community up-to-date on any additional steps taken or new developments that may arise.
If anyone has any questions they can contact the Department of Public Works, Water Division by calling 508-883-9331.
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