High E.coli levels probably due to sewage
By Neil Fater Andover Townsman 12/18/97

   The brook that runs through downtown Andover is carring high levels of the potentially dangerous E. coli bacteria — an indicator of fecal contamination that can lead to problems such as parasites or hepatitis in humans.
   While federal guidelines for water list 126 K coil bacteria per l00 milliliters of water as the safe standard, recent tests have revealed bacteria counts as high as 25,OO In certain areas of Roger's Brook, says Everett Penney, town health director.
   "It Indicates probably the presence of raw sewage," he says. "There's no question we have a serious contamination level. It's just a matter of finding out where it comes from."

   Penney does note that a l00 to 200 level is recommended for water used for drinking and bathing, and neither of these happens in Roger's Brook.

  The thin brook starts up by Phillips Academy and runs through and under downtown Andover by The Park, with much of the brook contained underground.

   Problems in the brook were revealed by the Merrimack River Watershed Council after it conducted tests on the waterway in 1996.

   Since their information was presented to the town, Andover has conducted more extensive tests. Penney says these tests have shown even higher levels at certain areas along the brook.Penney also says that the tests reveal E. coli levels fluctuate substantially along the river, indicating the possibility of several areas of contamination. Penney says several things, from animal feces to sewage problems, could be responsible for the contamination.

   The E. coli counts do dip down to normal levels as Roger's Brook approaches the Shawsheen River:
says Penney.

  "Nevertheless, dilution is not the solution to pollution," says Penney "You still need to elminate the source."

   Tests will continue to find the source — or sources — of the problem, he says.

   "We've known about it. We've been monitoring it for a while," says Buzz Stapczynski, town manager.

   Selectmen have asked the town manager to report to them about the problem Jan. 5.

   But Greg Luckman, of Florence Street, is one of those people who suggests that the town might consider

taking action at April Town Meeting.

   He believes the town should replace the old sewer pipes in this area before expanding the sewerage system into the Ballardvale and South Main Street areas.

   Although this project was shot down at last year's Town Meeting, Stapczynski has said he plans to
bring this project to Town Meeting again in April.

   Expanding the sewer system would cost $1.6 million next year, and $21.5 million the following year.

   Luckman notes that Stapczynski's Capital Improvement Plan has pushed back replacing sewerage in the Roger's Brook area until 2003 (at a cost of $5.2 million).

"  We seem to have a higher priority to do the new system first," says Luckman. "The priorities really should be the opposite."

   Luckman notes that the town may not have the money or be willing to spend the money to do both expensive sewer projects around the same time.

   "When you come to priorities, the number one priorities are those that deal with health," he says.

   Luckman wonders if the state could potentially come in and order the town to spend millions to repair the problem.

  "It's a problem that sneaks up on you but becomes very serious if it's not dealt with," says Luckman. "Are (government) regulating issues going to kick in before health problems kick in? To be honest with you, I hope so."

   Penney says state officials might have stepped in if Andover wasn't doing anything. But he and Bob McQuade, public works director, have put together a team of testers and are working with the state to find the source of the problem.

  "DEP has all of our results. They've done some testing of their own and we have this team established," says Penney. "They're satisfied — at least those we've talked with are - with what we've done so far and our approach to solve the problem permanently."

   Selectmen are waiting for more information.

  "I haven't heard of any illnesses related to (the E. coli levels), but it shouldn't be so high," says Selectman John Hess.