AdEdge Technologies Inc., a nationally recognized company in arsenic removal, recently installed and started up a new arsenic treatment system on the Rollinsford, N.H., municipal water system as one of 12 sites for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Arsenic Demonstration Projects. On Friday, Oct. 15 AdEdge will be hosting an Open House at the American Legion Salmon Falls Post in Rollinsford that will include a tour of the municipal facility. In addition, attendees will view presentations about AdEdge’s experience with the Rollinsford site, arsenic treatment for small water systems and whole house systems for homeowners on private wells throughout Maine and New Hampshire.
The Rollinsford water system serves approximately 1,400 residents and supplies 72,000 gallons per day of drinking water. AdEdge worked closely with Jack Hladick, water treatment plant operator, and local plumbing and electrical contractors to install the system and begin operation. Professional staff from Battelle Memorial Institute (Columbus, Ohio) also was in Rollinsford for the treatment system startup. Battelle is a contractor for the USEPA and is responsible for managing Phase I arsenic treatment demonstration projects being installed at 12 different locations across the United States. AdEdge also has installed systems in Arizona and New Mexico.
Arsenic is a commonly found contaminant in New England, particularly in Maine and New Hampshire drinking water. Arsenic has been associated with bladder, lung and other cancers and other diseases including diabetes. Recognizing the health effects of arsenic exposure, the USEPA recently lowered the acceptable arsenic drinking water standard from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. Small water systems and private well owners in Maine and New Hampshire are strongly encouraged to have their water tested for arsenic and to explore appropriate treatment options.
USEPA selected the Rollinsford site for several reasons including high pH and high arsenic concentrations. The Rollinsford system is the second of the 12 USEPA demonstration projects to be started up; both of the first two systems utilize granular ferric oxide adsorption treatment technology. New Hampshire is a key state for arsenic concerns because numerous small water systems need affordable treatment. At the present time, USEPA has identified more than 150 small water systems in the state that have high arsenic concentrations, not including individual home systems. In addition to the Rollinsford system, AdEdge has installed hundreds of point-of-entry (POE) residential systems in both Maine and New Hampshire.
Reservations for the Open House (9:00am to 2:30pm) must be made by Oct. 8 by calling 678-835-0052.
