SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES EPA FUNDING FOR ATKINSON WATER LINE EXTENSION

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to commit up to $2 million for the construction of a water line extension in Atkinson to provide a fresh water supply to homes with wells contaminated by pollutants.  The water line will provide water to those residents in Atkinson who have been without a safe water source since excessive levels of 1,4 dioxane contaminants were discovered in wells in 2011.

“Making sure that citizens throughout New Hampshire have access to clean, reliable drinking water is critical to protecting the public health of Granite State citizens and families,” Shaheen said. “Today’s announcement of funding for the water line extension is welcome news for the town of Atkinson, and I look forward to continuing to work with the EPA and town officials in our efforts to protect residents’ safety.”

Shaheen has worked with EPA leaders, Atkinson officials and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to support funding for the water line extension and ensure that necessary resources were made available to the community. In October 2012 she wrote to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson calling on the EPA to approve funds for this project as soon as possible.

“Residents of Atkinson appreciate the Senator’s support, the work of DES, and EPA to bring this project to fruition,” said Bill Innes, Atkinson Town Administrator. “This is critical to the resident of Atkinson who have been effected by 1,4 dioxane, and to the town as a whole.”