Full Notification

INFORMATION ON INK SPILL

On March 9, 2011, rollover of a UPS delivery truck on the ramp of Route 128 onto Route 95N in Peabody resulted in a spill of newspaper printing ink. A professional environmental clean-up company was brought in, and clean-up efforts were overseen by a Licensed Site Professional from Shaw Environmental Services as well as by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Although the clean-up of the spilled ink was effective and thorough, a small quantity of ink ran into a storm drain as a result of rain on March 11. As a result, there has been some run-off of colored water pooling in locations near the area of the spill.

The Material Safety Data Sheets for the inks involved in the spill have been reviewed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Shaw Environmental Services, the Peabody Fire Department, and the Peabody Health Department. These agencies have determined, based upon the non-toxic nature of the ink compounds, the rapid and thorough clean-up, and the dilution of residual ink, that the colored water is NOT a threat to human health, to animal health, or to the environment. The Bureau of Environmental Health at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has advised that there are no long-term health effects associated with the inks. If skin contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Any residents concerned about discolored drinking water should call the Coolidge Water Treatment plant at 978-538-7573. Any other concerns can be directed to the Peabody Health Department via the Peabody Fire Department at 978-531-3444.