The 03833 zip code area of Exeter, New Hampshire, carries a critical environmental hazard designation due to the high density of active federal remediation sites in the vicinity. There are four active contamination sites within five miles and eleven within ten miles of this location. The 227/227A Atlantic Avenue Area is a prominent active site located 4.8 miles away on the National Priorities List. Other nearby facilities undergoing federal tracking include Blue Ribbon Drycleaners, Flynn’s Car Care Center, and Coakley Landfill.

The Environmental Protection Agency currently lists the 227/227A Atlantic Avenue Area under active status, meaning site assessment, remediation planning, or active cleanup operations are ongoing. While the specific hazardous substances at this primary site remain classified as unspecified, similar active automotive, landfill, and dry-cleaning sites locally often emit volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. Prolonged exposure to these groundwater and soil contaminants can disrupt endocrine function, damage neurological systems, and increase the risk of certain cancers in nearby populations.

Because local groundwater aquifers face potential intrusion from these multiple industrial sources, residents must implement strict environmental precautions. Individuals utilizing private wells should test their water supply biannually for volatile organic compounds and heavy metals through a state-certified laboratory. Residents should install National Sanitation Foundation-certified reverse osmosis filtration systems for all potable water sources. Furthermore, households engaging in local agriculture or gardening should utilize raised beds with imported, verified clean soil rather than planting directly in native ground to prevent ingestion of residual soil contaminants.