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Rumford says "brown snow" report under investigation; lab found elevated pH but mercury and barium below EPA levels
Summary
Town Manager O'Keefe said Rumford is coordinating with the mill and DEP after reports of "brown snow"; a Maine Environmental Laboratory report found somewhat elevated pH in a three-fields complex and mercury and barium below EPA safe drinking-water levels.
Rumford’s Town Manager, O'Keefe, told the select board on Dec. 19 that the town is investigating a report of "brown snow" originating from the mill and is coordinating with the mill and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to find a resolution.
O'Keefe said the town received results from the Maine Environmental Laboratory showing that pH readings in the three-fields complex were somewhat elevated. He added that laboratory measurements of mercury and barium were below EPA safe drinking-water levels. O'Keefe also said the town is the complainant in the matter and that the mill, DEP and the town are working together on next steps; he described the matter as an ongoing investigation.
The minutes do not record specific numeric pH values, sampling dates, or the precise sampling locations beyond the description "three fields complex." The town did not provide a timeline for when remediation or further testing would occur; the minutes record only that the investigation is active and being coordinated among the parties.
