ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT TO

1. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT TO ADDRESS ARSENIC LEVELS IN PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

2. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION The EPA has determined that all public water supplies must meet the new 10 ppb (old 50 ppb) limit for Arsenic by January 23, 2006.

3. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION It is important to note that the LIMIT is changing not the WATER QUALITY.

4. Arsenic OccurrenceWhere does it come from? ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION

5. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION • Naturally occurring element • Found throughout the United States • Weathers from rocks and soils

6. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION • Primarily found in ground waters • Also associated with wood preserving, mining, agriculture, pulp and paper production, burning of fossil fuels

7. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION In St. Mary’s County certain areas of the Piney Point & Aquia Aquifers have Arsenic Levels of 10-20 ppb. The source is believed to be from ancient marine sediment.

10. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION

11. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Compliance Alternatives Treatment to remove Arsenic Mixing with Arsenic Free water Find New Arsenic Free source

12. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION MetCom decided in 2000 that the least expensive solution was to abandon the water sources that exceeded the proposed limit and replace the supply with water that was Arsenic free.

13. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) was studying the Patapsco aquifer to see if it could meet the needs of Southern Maryland.

14. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Test wells drilled by MGS determined that areas where the Aquia aquifer had elevated levels of Arsenic, the Patapsco did not have any Arsenic.

15. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION MetCom was hesitant to commit until the study was completed. Completion was scheduled for 2003 but the project was delayed until July 0f 2005.

16. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION The Metropolitan Commission will not meet the January 23, 2006 deadline for compliance with the Arsenic Rule

17. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION MetCom has requested 1 year extensions for Breton Bay, Mulberry South, St. Mary’s Industrial Park and Holland Forrest systems to drill new wells.

18. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION MetCom has requested 2 year extensions for Hollywood and Fenwick Manor to extend water service from another supply.

19. Systems Are Eligible for an Exemption If They Can’t Comply by January 23, 2006:

20. Due to “compelling factors” • Exemption will not result in an unreasonable risk to health

21. System is unable to make management and/or restructuring changes • System began operating by February 22, 2002

22. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Exemptions Are Not a Way to Avoid Compliance

23. Potential tool to help States address systems with greatest challenges • Systems are put on a schedule to compliance by end of exemption period

24. Public information is required Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Public Hearings

25. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Health Risk Associated with Arsenic Consumption

26. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Long-Term exposure to Arsenic in drinking water has been shown to increase the risk of cancer.

27. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Types: Cancer of the skin, lungs, and urinary bladder and possibly of the kidney, liver, and prostate.

28. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Other Possible Effects: Thickening and discoloration of skin. Can effect nervous system & blood count.

29. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Studies Suggest (role not clearly defined) that Arsenic may contribute to poor circulation, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and reproductive effects.

30. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION What is definition of Unreasonable Risk to Health

32. Categorizing Systems Level 1 Level 2 • CWSs with > 35 µg/L • Not eligible for an exemption • Must comply by 1/23/06 • CWSs between 20 & 35 µg/L • Eligible for 3-yr exemption • Smalls may be eligible for extensions • SNC after 1/23/06 Level 3 Level 4 • CWSs serving > 3,300 & between 10 & 20 µg/L • Eligible for 3-yr exemption • Must comply by 2009 • CWSs serving < 3,300 & between 10 & 20 µg/L & NTNCWS • Eligible for 3-yr exemption • May be eligible for extensions to 2015

33. Arsenic Removal Project 9/01/05

34. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Estimated cost to replace Wells is $1,176,400-Funding will come from the O&M budget and impact the Uniform Service Charge by $0.33/ month (+$0.06/kgal over) for metered and $0.57/month for non-metered customers. However, MetCom will not be raising rates at this time.

35. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Private Well Information? Local Health Dept. will Test for Arsenic in your Well - $64 St. Mary's County Health Dept. Telephone - 301-475-4330TTY Service - 301-475-4724 FAX - 301-475-4350

36. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION Information is available for Point of Entry and Point of Use Arsenic Removal Systems.

37. Additional Information Environmental Protection Agency @ www.epa.gov/safewater/ Maryland Department of Environment @ www.mde.state.md.us/

38. Additional Information • Safe Drinking Water Hotline • (800) 426-4791 or (703) 285-1093 • sdwa@epa.gov

39. Additional Information www.metcom.org Consumer Confidence Reports • Select Resource • Select Water Quality Reports Menu • Select your system

40. ST. MARY’S COUNTY METROPOLITAN COMMISSION 43990 COMMERCE AVE. HOLLYWOOD, MD 20636 PHONE: 301-373-4733 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS