During the months of February through May, we, the Independent Environmental Study Group, conducted an impact study of Mother's Brook. After four months of testing, it has been determined that Mother's Brook did not meet acceptable standards of many chemical parameters. Additionally, qualitative tests for Fecal Coliform bacteria conducted during March have indicated a presence of this organism in the brook.
Qualitative tests determine the presence or absence of bacteria in the brook only.
Quantitative test will be conducted during late May and June. The most important part of the study was the weekly testing of the chemical parameters of the brook. Chemical testing included procedures for Alkalinity, Chloride, Chlorine, Ammonia Nitrogen, Turbidity, Nitrites, Nitrates, Suspended Solids, Ph, Phosphates, Dissolved Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, and Cyanide. In sites one through five, located west of Route 24, Alkalinity, Nitrites, Ammonia Nitrogen, Chlorine, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Turbidity, Suspended Solids, and Phosphates were significantly above acceptable water quality standards for natural bodies of water as indicated by Hach Water Quality Standards Manual and the Environmental Protection Agency Quality Criteria for Water. Site six is located along Riggenbach Road at the corner of Airport Road prior to the landfill.