Perchlorate Study at UMD Fireworks Display

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) conducted a study at UMD in 2004 "to evaluate the potential release of perchlorate to the environment as a result of a typical 'community-type' fireworks display" and "to evaluate the impacts of perchlorate on soil and groundwater from the use of fireworks."

The researchers drilled a number of test wells throughout the area under study to collect samples of groundwater. Groundwater samples taken from test wells downhill from the site contained up to 62 parts per billion of perchlorate. Concentrations up to 560 parts per billion were found in the soil at the launch site. A maximum contaminant level for perchlorates has not been set, but MADEP indicates that no one should drink water with levels greater than 18 parts per billion. Because of the suspected toxicity of perchlorate and its occurence in public water supplies across Massachusetts, MADEP is developing maximum contaminant levels for the chemical.

The Sustainability Committee was happy to partner with MADEP for this  important research that has  implications for human and environmental health. Read the full draft report on the study.

 Last Updated On: 3/23/06