State advises all New Hampshire residents to test wells for MTBE

January 5, 2008 - State officials are advising residents to have their private wells tested for MtBE, a chemical additive used in gasoline that has been linked to cancer in lab rats.

A new report shows the contaminant is widespread through the state.

That the MtBE remains in wells a year after it was banned does not surprise New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service spokesman Fred McGarry.

"It will be that way for some time to come," said McGarry. "Exactly how long, we're still trying to figure out. Some experts feel it will take 20 to 30 years to dissipate, depending on the type of well or aquifer we're talking about."

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