Benzene in Lake Whatcom water

We see 1/100 of one part per billion or less of benzene to water during most of the year 2000 and into the spring of 2001. Then in the summer we see the amount rise by ten fold to over 1/10 of one par

We see 1/100 of one part per billion or less of benzene to water during most of the year 2000 and into the spring of 2001. Then in the summer we see the amount rise by ten fold to over 1/10 of one par

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• Topics: Whatcom County, Bellingham, Planning & Development, Environment, Health,
We see 1/100 of one part per billion or less of benzene to water during most of the year 2000 and into the spring of 2001. Then in the summer we see the amount rise by ten fold to over 1/10 of one part per billion. This is a log chart, so that spike in Aug reaches to about 1/5 of one part per billion.

What levels are needed before we are concerned? That will be the debate over the next several months. I've read that the health folks get concerned when 1/2 of one part per billion level is reached and that the safe drinking water limit is 5 parts per billion. But those limits will no doubt be contested. Let the debate begin.

About John Servais

Citizen Journalist and Editor • Fairhaven, Washington USA • Member since Feb 26, 2008

John started Northwest Citizen in 1995 to inform fellow citizens of serious local political issues that the Bellingham Herald was ignoring. With the help of donors from the beginning, he has [...]

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