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Report: Wanaque Reservoir Could Be Threatened By Dangerous Chemical

RINGWOOD, N.J. – A dangerous chemical at the Ringwood Superfund site -- where Ford Motor Co. dumped toxic paint sludge 50 years ago -- could threaten the Wanaque Reservoir, NorthJersey.com reports.

The Wanaque Reservoir provides drinking water to 3.5 million people.

The Wanaque Reservoir provides drinking water to 3.5 million people.

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson

The probable carcinogen – called 1,4-dioxane – has not been found in the reservoir, but high levels have been detected in groundwater and brooks feeding the body of water that provides drinking water to as many as 3.5 million people, the story says.

A new report, written for the reservoir’s operator, the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, recommends that a system be built to pump contaminated groundwater to the surface and decontaminate it to prevent the pollution from reaching the reservoir, the story says.

An EPA spokesperson told NorthJersey.com that officials are reviewing the report, and are still confident that the reservoir is safe from the chemical, the story says.

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