Credit Annie Ropeik / NHPR
The state says it hasn t been following its own rules in notifying people of potential water contamination near the Saint-Gobain plastics factory in Merrimack.
Regulators say they’re working to correct the problem and think most affected properties are already aware of the issue. But citizen advocates are worried that some in the area may be unknowingly drinking contaminated water as a result of the lapse.
It stems from state statute that requires the Department of Environmental Services to notify any private well users within 500 feet of an identified groundwater contamination site. They’re supposed to do so in writing within 45 days of the site’s discovery.