On Earth Day, Coalition Renews Calls for Safe Drinking Water Protections for Private Well Owners

Private Well Owners

In observance of Earth Day, the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water is urging lawmakers to advance legislation that would, for the first time, establish statewide water quality standards for over half a million Massachusetts residents who rely on private wells.

The Coalition, a grassroots group led by RCAP Solutions and supported by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, has been advocating for the legislation, which would expand a financial assistance program to remediate wells affected by harmful contaminants in drinking water supplies such as “forever chemicals” like PFAS, as well as arsenic, uranium and other harmful substances.

Many people who discover contaminants in their wells resort to drinking bottled water, which is expensive and harmful to the environment as a large amount of this plastic waste ends up in landfills.

“Earth Day is about honoring the beauty and power of nature as well about protecting people from the damage that has already been done to our environment,” said Brian Scales, President & CEO of RCAP Solutions.  “We cannot ignore that thousands of families in Massachusetts may be drinking contaminated water that can cause both short- and long-term health impacts.  Pending legislation supports a path to learning what is in their water and remediating where needed.”

The bills (H.900 and S.585) are co-sponsored by Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), Rep. Natalie Blais (D-Sunderland) and Rep. Meg Kilcoyne (D-Clinton), and have drawn support from nearly 20 legislators.  The legislation would address a regional equity issue because areas with public water systems have access to water that is regularly tested, treated and maintained.

“Every resident in Massachusetts deserves access to safe and clean drinking water, regardless of where they live or how their water is sourced,” said Rep. Kilcoyne.  “Establishing statewide standards for private wells is a crucial step toward health equity, environmental protection, and supporting our rural communities.  I’m proud to support this legislation and to stand with the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water in advocating for this long-overdue public health safeguard.”

RCAP Solutions’ Private Well Program to Protect Public Health, funded by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, conducted over 500 water quality tests of private wells across several Massachusetts communities from 2020 to 2022, finding that about a third of the wells contained levels of contaminants higher than state health standards or suggesting potential health risks.

“I own a private drinking water well and benefited greatly from participating in the Private Well Program to Protect Public Health,” said Arthur Allen, who lives in the Town of Princeton.  “Our water test and well inspection found contaminants in the water and deficiencies in the well that we had to have corrected.  I fully support this legislation and hope it becomes law in Massachusetts.”

A study by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is underway to make recommendations for a statewide program to ensure that drinking water from private wells is safe to consume.  It is expected to be completed this summer.

For more information about the legislation and the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water, please visit
www.whatsinyourwellwater.org.


About RCAP Solutions

RCAP Solutions is an integrated community development corporation working with a multi-faceted suite of services in communities throughout the northeastern part of the U.S. and the Caribbean.  Established in 1969 (as Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions has supported the power and potential of communities for over half a century as strategists of community-wide well-being.  Our mission is to foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live.  For more information, visit: www.rcapsolutions.org.

About The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs.  Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity.  As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care Inc.  The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $59 million to more than 230 unique organizations over its history.  For more information, visit www.thfcm.org.

Town of Franklin: RFP - Water Testing and Analysis

RFP - Water Testing and Analysis

In accordance with M.G.L. 30(B), section (6), it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to obtain services from a qualified Water Testing and Analysis Contractor.

Additional Information:  Water Testing and Analysis

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/rfp-water-testing-and-analysis

RFP = Request for Proposal

Town of Franklin: RFP - Water Testing and Analysis

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

In accordance with M.G.L. 30(B), section (6), it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to obtain services from a qualified Water Testing and Analysis Contractor.

Additional Information:  Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-water-testing-and-analysis

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Give blood, help a great cause

Please call us at (508) 384-0033 to learn more about this COVID-19 research study and to enroll. 

We, at MRN Diagnostics, would like you to be a part of our journey in creating the next generation of diagnostic tests. Without individual contributors like you, these critical diagnostics tests will not be available to patients seeking rapid and accurate diagnoses. 

For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com

Shared from ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CywOfOSpXIw/

Give blood, help a great cause

For additional info, listen to the my interview and discussion with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted on site at the MRN facility in the Forge Park Industrial Park.  

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/take-part-in-mrn-clinical-trial-to.html

Take part in a MRN Clinical Trial to build the repository & earn some compensation (audio)

FM #1073 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1073 in the series. 

This shares my interview and discussion with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted on site at the MRN facility in the Forge Park Industrial Park.

• What is MRN’s mission? The role of the MRN’s Clinical Research Division 

• About the clinical research studies that are currently available (Ageros, Leidos)

• Studies are handled by an experienced team of clinical coordinators who follow stringent protocols to ensure the safety of our donors and the integrity of our studies

• Donors will receive compensation for each study that they participate in

• Create the Biorepository for future studies

• How we can get involved in one or more of these clinical collections

• For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dr. Greg Chiklis. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1073-mrn-diagnostics-dr-greg-chiklis-10-05-23

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Home page for MRD -> https://www.mrndx.com/ 

Clinical Collections Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PYwt2IFAnf6TYSQKQLyAWQZZDWPw87GL/view?usp=drive_link

How to donate to one of the collections -> https://www.mrndx.com/donor-home 

Clinical Compensation summary -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBAv27U-0aGb7K5jAtnc2xchHBVHs8EU/view?usp=drive_link

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here's how to get yours By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education Starting September 25, you can order four free test kits per household through COVIDtests.gov. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours

Free COVID test kits are back: Here’s how to get yours

FEMA: reminder on nationwide emergency alert test - Oct 4

Upcoming nationwide emergency alert test

What: A one minute test alert on cell phones, radios, and TVs 

When: Wednesday, October 4, 2:20 PM  ET 

Why: To ensure systems are effective to warn the public about emergencies

Please share this info!

• Additional info on test -> https://t.co/ke0EOoSYPK   
• Shared from ->   https://t.co/EHwjBnq4Ps

FEMA: reminder on nationwide emergency alert test - Oct 4

FEMA & FCC announce national test of Wireless Emergency Alert - Oct 4 at 2:20 PM

FEMA (@fema) posted Thu, Aug 03, 2023:

"@FEMA and @FCC will conduct a national test of the Wireless Emergency Alert and the Emergency Alert System this fall. 

Cell phones, wireless devices, TVs and radios across the country will be sent a test alert around 2:20 pm on Oct 4."

additional details on the test: https://t.co/ke0EOoSYPK

Shared from -> https://t.co/QFet9BVXve

FEMA & FCC announce national test of Wireless Emergency Alert - Oct 4 at 2:20 PM

Have you read the Town of Franklin water quality report?

Each year, the Water & Sewer Division produces the Consumer Confidence Report. This provides an overview of the water system and the testing performed regularly to ensure the quality of Franklin's drinking water.

post card announcing the water quality report

The Consumer Confidence Reports for this year and prior years can be found on the Town's webpage.

• The current report ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklinccr2022_updated.pdf
• The archive for all reports -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

The three part audio series on the Water system can be found here ->

• Part 1 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-588-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• Part 2 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-588-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• Part 3 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-590-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html

Making Sense of Climate: Ted & I start 2023 with a discussion on the recent news (audio)

FM #916 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 916 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, January 10, 2023.  

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

Happy new year, catch up on happenings since we last talked

• Healey, inauguration, Climate lead executive order

• Rep Roy video from Museum of Science (wind turbine blade testing), Rep Roy & Senator Barrett on Codcast (wind troubles)

• Fusion/ fission/ nuclear generated electrical power

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-916-making-sense-of-climate-21-01-10-23

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Links to articles referenced:

Climate lead via Executive Order from Governor Healey

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/healey-signs-executive-order-on-climate/ 

Rep Roy video on wind turbine blade testing visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/museum-of-science-visit-mass-clean.html  

CodCast episode with Rep Roy and Senator Barrett

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/the-codcast-lawmakers-walk-tightrope-on.html 

ISO New England grid capacity around Christmas 2022

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2023/01/07/iso-new-england-electricity-power-plant-fines-december-failure-oil-natural-gas-christmas-storm/69785296007/

Wind farm in Maine, MA to take advantage of

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/03/business/offshore-wind-falters-mass-makes-its-move-boost-giant-wind-farm-maine/ 

Fun article: driving for donuts to test electric vehicle charging stations availability

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/10/science/we-drove-around-new-england-looking-ev-chargers-best-doughnuts-it-was-easier-than-we-expected/

Fusion announcement 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/22/science/after-years-doubts-hopes-grow-that-nuclear-fusion-is-finally-real-could-help-address-climate-change/ 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS

CommonWealth Magazine: "Marijuana content labels can’t be trusted - Testing reveals inconsistencies on THC, contaminants"

"ONE OF THE main arguments in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana was that consumers would have access to tested, regulated products, and know exactly what they are buying.

But a CommonWealth investigation reveals that the potency levels listed on websites and product labels at marijuana stores are regularly inflated, sometimes by as much as a third. The investigation also found that some products in Massachusetts cannabis stores tested positive for contaminants that would have kept them off the shelves if they were detected earlier because they were potentially unsafe for human consumption.

The findings suggest that marijuana consumers cannot rely with any confidence on product labels. Labs are performing tests using different technologies and methods, and growers are gravitating to labs that report the highest THC levels or pass the most samples for contaminants, even if their testing methods are not the most scientifically accurate. That, in turn, is creating incentives for labs to generate testing results with higher THC readings."

Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/marijuana/marijuana-content-labels-cant-be-trusted/

 

A marijuana sample is prepared for testing at Analytics Labs in Holyoke on November 30, 2022. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)

Tabulator testing completed Wednesday, demonstrating the voting machines count what they should

"Wednesday morning, the Council Chambers at the municipal building became the scene of a mock election, as batches of ballots, marked up randomly, and in some cases very incorrectly, by a third party,  some with too many selections or markings out of the proper area, others no longer exactly flat.

The nine machines, one for each precinct, were put through their paces with the sample ballots by a crew of election workers and election wardens, all  under the eye of Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Assistant Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald. Also present was the Observer, Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters (who recorded audio of the whole process) and a few members of the public."

Continue reading the Observer's recap ->

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/128573/ballot-machines-tested-muni-building-wednesday

 

As noted, I am processing the audio of the testing session. Our Town Clerk Nancy Danello was happy to wear a microphone for the event so her outline of the process as well as many of the questions asked of her were captured and will be shared as soon as possible.

demonstrating the voting machines count what they should

Tabulator/voting machine testing - October 26 at 9 AM

Our Town Clerk Nancy Danello has scheduled the tabulator/voting machine testing for Wednesday, Oct 26 at 9 AM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building.

Observers welcome!

• See for yourself how voting is paper ballot based
• See how the machines have no connection to the internet

This is an opportunity to ask about how the vote is tabulated by the machine, cross checked manually, and then tallied in a spreadsheet to produce the 'unofficial results'. The Town Clerk then has time in the office to validate the checks, etc. to confirm and produce the 'official results'.

The testing was completed prior to the September primary and reported on previously: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-clerks-office-completes-testing-of.html

Town Clerk notification of testing -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/tabulatorballot-testing-october-26th-see-attached

All of our tabulators have been tested for accuracy & have been confirmed as ready for voters (Town of Franklin photo)

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk:

Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place on August 24th, 2022 at the Franklin Municipal Building in the 2nd floor Municipal Chambers at 9am. This testing is open to the public and all are more than welcome to attend.

Read more

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

The Franklin Health Department received more home COVID-19 self test kits from the state. Franklin residents can call the Public Health Office at (508) 613-1341 to check for availability and coordinate curbside pick up outside of the Senior Center. Pick up hours are as follows...

- Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8AM-4PM

- Wednesday: 8AM-6PM

- Friday 8AM-1PM

There is a limited supply! One test per household member, first come first serve. Please direct all questions to the public health office at (508) 613-1341.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-health-department-covid-19-testing-kits-available

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

Reminder: New set of COVID at home tests can be ordered

"The White House said on Tuesday (5/17/22) that Americans were now eligible for a third order of free, at-home coronavirus tests shipped through the Postal Service. The move doubled to 16 the total number of tests the program has made available to each household.

The tests, authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and available on the federal website covidtests.gov, extend a pledge President Biden made during the brunt of the winter Omicron wave, when Americans faced scarce supplies of tests, empty shelves and long lines."

Continue reading the article online

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/17/us/politics/free-covid-tests-usps-biden.html

White House press release

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/17/fact-sheet-the-biden-administration-announces-americans-can-order-additional-free-at-home-rapid-covid-19-tests-at-covidtests-gov/

Use this order form  COVID.GOV   

Frequently Asked Questions answered here -> https://www.covid.gov/tests/faq

Reminder: New set of COVID at home tests can be ordered

Town of Franklin - Health Department: COVID-19 Test Kits

Franklin Health Dept. received 68 At-Home COVID-19 test kits. Call 508-570-8433 for a free kit & location pickup.  

Limited Supply. 1 test per household member.

 

Town of Franklin - Health Department: COVID-19 Test Kits

Get over the counter COVID-19 tests at no cost

Good news! Starting this week, you can get up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. You'll be able to pick up tests from eligible pharmacies and other participating healthcare providers. Contact your local pharmacy to see if they are participating and to make sure they have tests available. Learn More Remember to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card with you when you get your COVID-19 tests. Over-the-counter at-home tests give rapid results and you can take them anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. Visit CDC.gov to learn when to test yourself, how to use an over-the-counter test, and what your test results mean. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.