Wicomico County Health Department Press Release

Press Release - 5/22/2013

Wicomico County Health Department and Maryland Department of the Environment Investigating Groundwater Contamination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           

CONTACT:  Tammy Griffin

Phone:  (410) 334-3480           

Cell: (443) 366-2685

WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND MARYLAND DEPARTMENT

OF THE ENVIRONMENT INVESTIGATING GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION

(Salisbury, Maryland) - - The Wicomico County Health Department and County Executive are currently working with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to investigate the presence of 1, 2 Dichloropropane detected in groundwater. 1,2 Dichloropropane is a colorless, flammable liquid with chloroform–like odor. It is moderately soluble in water and readily evaporates into air. It does not occur naturally in the environment.  1, 2 Dichloropropane was used in the past as a soil fumigant, chemical intermediate and industrial solvent.

This chemical has been detected in some private wells in the Doe Run subdivision and is unrelated to the contamination in Morris Mill. 

The Health Department has collected water samples from 19 private wells and is partnering with MDE to collect additional samples. Residents are currently being notified and are being provided with a supply of bottled water until a long term solution is identified.

Further information is being collected with regard to any potential health issues.  As additional information becomes available residents will be notified.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Wicomico County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, at 410-546-4446 if they have additional questions.