Health Officer Okays Water

Residents near Coldbrook concerned about the impact of material in a nearby peat bog have no cause for alarm over the safety of their drinking water, the region's Medical Officer of Health said today.

Dr. Richard Gould based his assessment on a recent test of the Mark-Lyn Construction site, where residents reported that a significant volume of raw chicken manure had been deposited. The results showed low levels of coliform. He also based it on the distance between the site and local wells.

Dr. Gould said this situation needs to be put in context.

"We understand that some people may want added assurances that their water is safe," he said. "This site is a safe distance away."

He said that it is also important for people to realize that they need to get their water tested regularly.

Sampling at the Mark-Lyn site indicated a total coliform concentration of 570 per gram and a fecal coliform concentration of only 400 per gram. Fecal coliform concentrations in chicken manure are usually 1.3 million per gram.

The Department of Environment and Labour will continue to work co-operatively with the community to ensure that environmental monitoring continues. The department will also test the drinking water of residents in the immediate vicinity of the site. The area is on the South Bishop Road.