What is MtBE and should I test for it?
MtBE stands for methyl tertiary butyl ether. It is one of several oxygenates added to gasoline to enhance combustion, thus burning cleaner. It is released into the environment via transport accidents, leaking underground and aboveground storage tanks, leaking gasoline distribution pipes, watercraft and simple overfilling or sloppy practices. As an initial test, we recommend performing the full VOC analysis (above). If an original analysis has already determined that your well has been impacted by MtBE, the compound can be analysed independently so you will be able to monitor any changes. Contact: Lou Barinelli, Organic Chemistry Supervisor (lucio.barinelli@des.nh.
