Posted on Jun 13, 2022
Morrow County declares emergency over high nitrate levels in wells
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Groundwater is the primary drinking source for Morrow County residents. But that groundwater has been plagued by high levels of nitrates.
The state designated Morrow and Umatilla counties as groundwater management areas more than 30 years ago. A committee was formed to address the issue and identify activities that contribute to the contamination.
But state data shows the nitrate problem has only gotten worse.
“It’s been an ongoing issue,” Morrow County Commissioner Chair Jim Doherty said. “It’s not something that just hit us in the last week, and we’ve been approaching it from lots of different angles.”
Drinking high levels of nitrate can lead to respiratory infections, thyroid dysfunction and stomach or bladder cancer. It can also cause “blue baby syndrome,” which decreases the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen, especially in infants drinking baby formula mixed with contaminated water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nitrate levels exceeding 10 milligrams per liter can cause serious health effects.
Earlier this year, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined the Port of Morrow $1.3 million for overapplying 165 tons of nitrogen-rich wastewater onto agricultural fields over a four-year period and failing to monitor the nitrate contamination.
The state designated Morrow and Umatilla counties as groundwater management areas more than 30 years ago. A committee was formed to address the issue and identify activities that contribute to the contamination.
But state data shows the nitrate problem has only gotten worse.
“It’s been an ongoing issue,” Morrow County Commissioner Chair Jim Doherty said. “It’s not something that just hit us in the last week, and we’ve been approaching it from lots of different angles.”
Drinking high levels of nitrate can lead to respiratory infections, thyroid dysfunction and stomach or bladder cancer. It can also cause “blue baby syndrome,” which decreases the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen, especially in infants drinking baby formula mixed with contaminated water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nitrate levels exceeding 10 milligrams per liter can cause serious health effects.
Earlier this year, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined the Port of Morrow $1.3 million for overapplying 165 tons of nitrogen-rich wastewater onto agricultural fields over a four-year period and failing to monitor the nitrate contamination.
Morrow County declares emergency over high nitrate levels in wells
Posted from opb.org
Water
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Environment
Posted 2 y ago
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Very serious problem. Good article Chip. I didn't see where they gave any standards, the reporter should have. I tried a couple of the links, and they didn't go there. This is my understanding of drinking water:
The drinking water standard for nitrate-N is 10.0 mg/L or 1 hundredth of a gram in one liter of water. The nitrite standard is 1 mg/L. These standards only regulate public water supplies but are a relevant guide for private well owners.
https://www.tapsafe.org/nitrates-in-drinking-water/
The drinking water standard for nitrate-N is 10.0 mg/L or 1 hundredth of a gram in one liter of water. The nitrite standard is 1 mg/L. These standards only regulate public water supplies but are a relevant guide for private well owners.
https://www.tapsafe.org/nitrates-in-drinking-water/
Nitrate contamination occurs in surface water and groundwater, leaching into the soil and from there into the water supply from various sources. . Nitrates can reach both surface water and groundwater as a consequence of agricultural activity (including the excess application of inorganic...
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SP5 Dennis Loberger
The article did state that nitrate levels exceeding 10 milligrams per liter can cause health problems
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SFC (Join to see)
SP5 Dennis Loberger - I stand corrected. It's funny how I can read something a couple time and miss it. Thanks.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Doherty said there are around 1,300 wells in Morrow County that could be tested. By declaring an emergency, the county brings in the state of Oregon with resources to test these wells.
Members of the public viewed the meeting via Zoom. Some posed questions and made statements through chat. They largely expressed concern over the haste of this vote.
Doherty read and responded to the public, pointing out this issue should’ve been addressed 30 years ago and waiting is unacceptable.
After this discussion, Lindsay expressed agreement with Doherty; an emergency should be declared."...
..."Doherty said there are around 1,300 wells in Morrow County that could be tested. By declaring an emergency, the county brings in the state of Oregon with resources to test these wells.
Members of the public viewed the meeting via Zoom. Some posed questions and made statements through chat. They largely expressed concern over the haste of this vote.
Doherty read and responded to the public, pointing out this issue should’ve been addressed 30 years ago and waiting is unacceptable.
After this discussion, Lindsay expressed agreement with Doherty; an emergency should be declared."...
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