Environmental

A Massachusetts homeowner discovers their well water contains arsenic above the EPA maximum contaminant level. The most likely source in a Massachusetts context is:

ANearby industrial dumping only
BNaturally occurring arsenic in bedrock geology, common in parts of Massachusetts✓ Correct
CRoad salt contamination from a nearby highway
DAgricultural pesticide runoff only

Explanation

Naturally occurring arsenic in bedrock geology is a significant concern in many parts of Massachusetts, particularly in areas with granite and metamorphic rock. Private wells in affected areas may exceed EPA's 10 ppb MCL for arsenic without any industrial source.

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