State Officials Address PFOA Concerns at Meeting in Bennington

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Bennington and Shaftsbury gathered this week to discuss ongoing concerns about PFOA contamination, as state officials provided crucial updates on the situation. A group of ten representatives from various state agencies, including the Vermont Department of Health and the Department of Natural Resources, met at the Bennington firehouse to inform the community about new findings and remediation efforts.

During the meeting, Malayika Vincent, the contaminated site manager, detailed the origins of PFOA contamination linked to former Chamfab facilities operated by Saint-Gobain from 1969 to 2002. “Through atmospheric deposition, PFAS returned to the ground surface and impacted soils and groundwater,” Vincent explained, emphasizing the long-term effects of these chemicals on local water supplies.

Local Impact and Community Involvement

For residents of Bennington County, this recent meeting served as a vital opportunity to engage with state officials about the health implications of PFOA. Attendees were provided with forms to request testing of their wells, a pressing issue given that recent testing revealed contamination in three homes in the area. Local representative Mary Morrissey encouraged community members to voice their concerns, stating, “This is your meeting, and don’t hesitate to ask your questions.” This dialogue is crucial as many residents remain anxious about the safety of their drinking water.

Testing and Mitigation Efforts

State officials reported that more comprehensive testing is underway, with approximately 90 homes sampled so far in 2023. Jason Dolmetsch of MSK Engineers discussed plans for water line extensions to affected properties in Bennington, including areas like Monument Avenue and Hickory Hill Road. “We’ll be looking towards a construction bid package heading into either late summer or fall,” he noted.

In addition to physical remediation efforts, Dr. Rick Hildebrant, state commissioner of health, addressed the community’s concerns regarding blood testing for residents affected by PFOA. Although earlier tests were funded by the Centers for Disease Control, current funding is no longer available, and residents were encouraged to advocate for legislative support to cover these tests through insurance.

Next Steps

As the state continues to monitor and address PFOA contamination, local residents are urged to stay informed about testing opportunities and remediation plans. Community outreach is essential, and residents are encouraged to participate in future meetings and discussions to ensure their voices are heard in the ongoing efforts to secure clean drinking water.