Reflection

We wanted to share a narrative localized to where we live in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. After doing some research, we discovered a very prominent issue in Rockingham: MtBE groundwater contamination. MtBE is the most common non-naturally occurring contaminant on the Seacoast, yet, not many residents are familiar with it and its detrimental health impacts. In order to raise awareness, we entirely wrote, recorded, produced, mixed, mastered, shot, and edited a music video exploring how MtBE has affected local towns in New Hampshire, such as Plaistow and Keene. The song takes on a "historical fiction" lens, with the bridge coming through the first-person perspective of a child whose family cannot drink their well water due to the pollutant. After completing a hefty amount of research for this project, we have learned the importance of environmental alertness in the community. At this point in time, it is the people of Rockingham County's duty to test their drinking water, and encourage others to do so as well, to keep their neighbors safe from excessive MtBE consumption. It is crucial to guide those who may be concerned about MtBE towards the MtBE Remediation Bureau, an organization created by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, to design and implement a concise and practical plan to investigate and clean up MtBE-contaminated sites.