The Anne Arundel County Department of Health began its Gambrills/Odenton well water investigation in October 2006 in response to notification from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Constellation Energy Group of high levels of metals found in the well water of a home on Summerfield Road in Gambrills. Summerfield Road is within 1,000 feet of a coal ash fill site.

From October 12, 2006 through April 23, 2007, the Department of Health conducted well water testing for 83 homes and businesses on Summerfield Road and in a surrounding area that was recommended by MDE. (See Map: Expanded Well Water Testing Area) Samples collected from some of these wells showed levels of aluminum, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead (often plumbing-related), manganese, sulfates and thallium that exceeded maximum contaminant levels (MCL) or recommendations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for drinking water. These substances are constituents of fly ash. (See Test Results Summary.) (See Chart: Health Facts.)

Coal Fly Ash and Its Health Risks Fact Sheet

This investigation demonstrates the ability of fly ash components to leach out of a mining operation into groundwater and contaminate drinking water wells.

The Department notified the property owners of their individual test results and those with MCL exceedances were advised to avoid ingesting well water to reduce their exposure to contaminants and protect their health. The test results were reported to MDE. The Department worked with the affected well owners and MDE to provide short-term recommendations, such as use of bottled water. The Department suggested permanent remedies, namely access to public water or safe replacement wells.

Impacts of Fly Ash on Groundwater in Anne Arundel County, Maryland - Maryland Association of County Health Officers Meeting - October 11, 2007 - Baltimore, Maryland

Maryland Department of the Environment; Anne Arundel County/BBSS Fly Ash

Only private wells serving residential homes and businesses were involved in this investigation. Most properties in the identified area use public water, which meets EPA standards.

For more information about the Department's Well Water Quality Program, call 410-222-7189 on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.