05/01/2023
Part I. Intrigue: A modern tale on Blennerhassett Island
Blennerhassett Island has always had an air of intrigue and danger through the years. Wooded seclusion on a beautiful island surrounded by the mighty Ohio River. A picturesque setting for sure but with secrets hidden under the surface.
It was true for the Blennerhassetts in 1800 and is true over 200 years later in modern times. The difference is now the danger is the water physically under the Island surface rather than what might arrive by, or flood from, the river waters that surround it.
The caretaker on the Island has the unique experience of being on the island alone. Not another soul after tourists and staff leave every evening; and at Season’s end you are solitary for five months, the only person to step on the Island. It can be both amazing and frightening and you have to prepare yourself for any situation that might arise; uninvited guests, critters that pe*****te the cabin, rapid water level changes and mechanical issues among others.
Unfortunately, what was never considered an issue for concern was the water used to drink, cook and bathe. The water for the Blennerhassett Island comes from a well drilled on the Island. This well taps into the same aquifer that Chemours Company, owner of the Island, uses for its’ many wells at the lower end of the Island for their plant operations.
The most recent Caretaker, after living/working on Blennerhassett Island for a decade, in the final few years, has had several severe health issues manifest.
Beginning the 2022 Season, some changes in operations of the Gift Shop, the Caretaker’s daytime position, and during the change of offices some historical paperwork was located. Environmental testing results sent to the State Park by Chemours for the water provided on the Island from 2018 to present showing results well above the reporting limits. No one informed the Caretaker, current Island employees nor the 278,346 visitors of these results.
Details of the water test results, issues and the lack of corrective action will be a portion of the continuation of this tale posted soon as Part II: Details, the Facts we know. Followed by Part III: Systemic Apathy.
