Hampton Rod & Gun Club: No Sign of Lead Contamination

North Hampton, NH - The Hampton Rod and Gun Club announces that results of groundwater tests at the Club show no evidence of lead contamination. The tests, which were conducted according to parameters set by state and federal regulations, are in response to a request from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to evaluate possible lead contamination in adjacent wetlands.

The environmental investigation and the wetlands mapping is being conducted by Exeter Environmental Associates, Inc. of Newfields, N.H., and West Environmental, Inc. of Nottingham, N.H. Both firms are licensed by the State of New Hampshire and use testing methods in conformity with state and federal standards.

"As local residents and outdoor enthusiasts, our club members want to ensure that the Little River and local wetlands are preserved for many generations to come. The groundwater tests conducted in March by the state-licensed firm of Exeter Environmental show that there is no lead contamination in the water wells. Unfortunately, the local activists who filed the complaint with the state have made misleading and unscientific statements about the potential threat of lead contamination in order to advance their longstanding personal agenda against the Club,” said James Clemence, President of the Rod and Gun Club.

"Members are not shooting lead into Little River. After 70 years of shooting, the groundwater on our site has been tested to be clean from contamination. We are committed to complying with the investigation process as requested by NHDES," added Clemence.

Due to the severe weather of this past winter, the groundwater investigation could not start until March 7, 2014. After four test wells were drilled to test the groundwater, the laboratory results released on April 8, 2014 showed no evidence of lead contamination in three of the wells and a trace amount in one well which scientists consider to be below drinking water standards.

In compliance with a NHDES request, the Club has refrained from shooting over wetlands while the investigation is ongoing. Soil and surface water testing of the site has begun and will be completed this summer.