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Some Question MDE Finding On Contaminated Wells

SALISBURY, Md. (AP) -- Some farmers are questioning findings by state environmental officials that sewage used as fertilizer is responsible for groundwater contamination in Wicomico County.

An industrial solvent was found in a number of Wicomico County wells after a concerned homeowner had his well tested. Maryland Department of the Environment officials said at a public meeting last week that they believe the chemical was used in or dumped into a septic system decades ago. Sewage from the system was then later pumped and disposed of on a former farm.

However, The Daily Times of Salisbury reported some farmers are questioning that theory, saying sewage was not often used as fertilizer.

State officials say they came to the conclusion based on interviews with people who said they saw sewage spread on farm fields.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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