Two wells at the site of a planned 20-unit rental development in Tisbury were purposely contaminated with motor oil, Philippe Jordi, executive director of the Island Housing Trust said Thursday.
Two wells at the site of a planned 20-unit rental development in Tisbury were purposely contaminated with motor oil, Philippe Jordi, executive director of the Island Housing Trust said Thursday.
The incident is under investigation by the Attorney General’s office and Massachusetts Environmental Police, and the IHT board of directors has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons who tampered with the wells, Mr. Jordi said.
The wells have been plugged, capped and decommissioned by environmental engineers from the IHT and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to remediate the situation, he said.
“We’re pretty confident that the aquifer has not been contaminated, but it’s pretty disturbing,” Mr. Jordi said. “It’s not only jeopardizing our property, but neighboring properties as well.”
The two wells were drilled in January to serve as the public water supply for the Kuehn’s Way development, a neighborhood of 20 rental apartments scheduled to begin construction this spring. The project is located off State Road in Tisbury across from the Assembly of God church.
The first well was found to be contaminated with motor oil when required state environment testing was conducted on Jan. 26, Mr. Jordi said. The second well tested clean at that time, but was found to be contaminated in subsequent testing done this week, he said.
Tisbury police and board of health were immediately notified and the case is under investigation. Anyone who may have information about the crime are asked to contact Detective Lieberwirth of the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 617-963-2657.
A news release issued by IHT said underground monitoring wells have been installed near the tampered wells and abutting properties for ongoing water quality testing.
Mr. Jordi said the trust is securing the site with fencing and additional protections and will be drilling two new wells. Though the contamination will add unexpected costs, he said it has not altered the timeline for construction of the Kuehn’s Way neighborhood, which is scheduled to open in early 2022.
Comments
Post a reward for arrest and
fact checker mvyPost a reward for arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. These kind of low lifes can't keep their mouths shut so I'm sure they told someone.
Island Housing Trust has
Jeremy Osborn TisburyIsland Housing Trust has offered a $5000 reward for information leading to a conviction according to an email that went out to their mailing list.
maybe after the first well
paul brewer edgartownmaybe after the first well was contaminated ,a camera should have been put up ,just a thought
An imbecile who would do that
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownAn imbecile who would do that will do something again.They are probably pretty stupid and can easily be baited into doing something more serious and when caught be charged with a Federal hate crime,because that is what it is. A nitwit like that will brag about it to their friends
This will eventually come out
Dean Rosenthal EdgartownThis will eventually come out, this island is way too small for some people not to know and when that time comes...the rest of this story will be written. I hope whoever’s reading who already knows is willing to make an anonymous tip and get that $5000.
it occurred a month and a
Gabrielle West Tisburyit occurred a month and a half ago, it should have been made public then.
I am appalled that someone
Christine Napolitan West TisburyI am appalled that someone would cause so much damage, both environmental and monetary, to an organization that has done so much to tackle one of our biggest problems on the Island, the lack of affordable housing. If this person is so opposed to affordable homes, I hope they are willing to do their own plumbing, roofing, health care ,home schooling, etc., and of course, all their grocery shopping and meals out off island. The strength of our community depends on everyone having what they need, not just a lucky few.
I would suggest making the
Craig Tharpe AquinnahI would suggest making the amount instead of $5000 make it more so that you can get this under control ASAP.
Contaminating water is domestic terrorism.
This is criminal act... I
Robert EdgartownThis is criminal act... I hope they catch the@$$?!!???
One would think by my stage
Lorraine EdgartownOne would think by my stage in life I would be inured to the cupidity, stupidity and hatefulness of people, but some things still engender my incredulity.
Kind of unbelievable. Maybe
Ken Edg.Kind of unbelievable. Maybe the oil came from the drilling rig. Always quick to point fingers.
good point, I wonder if they
Gabrielle West Tisburygood point, I wonder if they were able to determine the type of oil and if they left empty containers.
Drilling rigs don't spew
Kenny Oak BluffsDrilling rigs don't spew motor oil into already drilled wells. This was premeditated. Twice.
That is what came to mind.
Mike SomewhereThat is what came to mind. The initial test showed contamination and later due to seepage bloom the second tested positive. How far apart are they? How could the aquifer not be affected when the water being tested came from it?
Yikes. Not good. My question
Vanadium VHYikes. Not good. My question is:
If these wells were drilled to test the aquifer, then how can dumping oil down them not contaminate the aquifer?
Someone is going to (or should) get in serious trouble.
Oil floats on water.
Corn Fused Vineyard HavenOil floats on water.
Oild does not pass through sand as easily as water does.
Plus, there is likely a well casing that the floating oil on the water has helped to hold in place.
Yes, what about the aquifer?
Ari Rosen TisburyYes, what about the aquifer? was that impacted?
For an Island who prides itself on wokeness regarding the environment, this AND the Sheriff Meadow matter of violating the protections of the forest, are REALLY serious issues.
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