A new intergovernmental task force kicked off its work Tuesday to analyze their impact in Massachusetts and craft recommended steps to limit contamination.
Water trickles out of a faucet. (Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images)
Researchers are beginning a five-year, multi-state study to look at the long-term health effects of the toxic chemicals known as PFAS in drinking water. In Massachusetts, the study will focus on Hyannis and Ayer two communities where public drinking water supplies were contaminated by firefighting foams used at nearby fire training areas.
Barnstable town manager Mark Ells, speaking at a webinar to announce the study, noted that Hyannis has PFAS-free drinking water after the town spent millions of dollars to install a filtration system. But, he added, ”the concern regarding these emerging contaminants is ever-present.”
The permit holds facility management responsible for sewers, force mains, pump stations, grease traps and treatment units.
Construction delays
A condition of the permit was the completion of the facility s second phase by June 1, 2018. After negotiations, the state extended the completion deadline to March 31, 2020. and later to Sept. 30, 2020.
Facility management reported financial problems in the delay, the order said.
The order states that facility management later cited the COVID-19 crisis, prompting another round of negotiations for the second phase s completion deadline.
Alleged sewer backups
In January 2020, the state received a complaint alleging sewer backups at The Point.
An investigation allegedly showed that kitchen equipment at Tavern in the Square, a restaurant at The Point, was directly connected to the sewer line and not to grease traps as indicated in restaurant plans.
Doug Fraser (dfraser@capecodonline.com)
MASHPEE News that the town has received $40 million in low- and potentially zero-interest loans from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund is cause for celebration, Mashpee Selectman Andrew Gottlieb said.
“It’s fantastic news,” Gottlieb said Tuesday afternoon after the state Department of Environmental Protection released its list of $622 million in loan financing for more than 50 projects addressing clean water improvements, from storm water to wastewater cleanup efforts. Another $2.3 million in grants was awarded to 16 projects for planning purposes.
Cape and Islands towns received nearly $118.7 million for eight projects.
DEP spokesman Ed Coletta said the federal Environmental Protection Agency passes the money down to the state to disburse as low-interest loans. That trust fund is also partially replenished each year as municipalities repay loans.
Published: Friday, March 5, 2021
Pesticide collage. Credits: Claudine Hellmuth/E&E News (illustration); Freepik (mosquito); EPA (logo and text) ; Clarke Mosquito Control Products Inc. (Anvil bottle)
New testing from an environmental watchdog group shows PFAS are present in multiple pesticides. Claudine Hellmuth/E&E News (illustration); Freepik (mosquito); EPA (logo and text) ; Clarke Mosquito Control Products Inc. (Anvil bottle)
This story was updated March 8. Forever chemicals are present in multiple common pesticides, according to new testing conducted by an environmental watchdog group and released exclusively to E&E News.
The findings, described as deeply concerning, raise a host of public health concerns including implications for food safety and could trigger pressure on EPA to address the issue. The agency has faced repeated scrutiny over pesticides in the past, with the latest findings already adding fuel to the fire.