A wake-up call.
That’s how Barnstable County Commissioner Mark Forest described a Harvard University study published last week that found PFAS “forever chemicals” linked to cancer, immune suppression, low birth weight and other conditions have contaminated more groundwater on Cape Cod than was previously known.
The study, published in the journal “Environmental Science & Technology,” included revelations that previously unknown levels of the chemicals were present in Mashpee and Hyannis watersheds, potentially putting drinking water at risk.
Researchers used a new testing method that detected more PFAS than the tests regularly used by state and federal officials.
The total levels of PFAS detected in the three sites tested by researchers were all above the maximum levels set by the state for drinking water, according to Bridger Ruyles, the study’s lead author.
The Barnstable Patriot
St. Paddy s Weekend
Cape Cod Beer has planned a weekend bash March 12-14 featuring a specialty food menu from JP s Twisted BBQ.
The taproom menu includes Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew and Shepherd’s Pie. All COVID rules and regs apply. You do not need to pay in order to sit inside the brewery, but there will be no live music inside.
Weather permitting, the Pourmen will play two outdoor sets Saturday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Tables will be first-come, first-seated. This month s featured brew (while supplies last) is Shillelagh Pale Ale, made with Irish Ale Malt and clover honey. Details at www.capecodbeer.com.
COVID, Cape home sales, detours, duties, Town Notes
The Barnstable Patriot
Major road work near airport
MassDOT roadwork is underway on Route 28 near the Yarmouth Town Line. The project location is the railroad crossing near Willow Street and Yarmouth Road. The existing railroad tracks are being replaced and utilities relocated.
The work is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. and continue 24/7 for three weeks, through March 21. A section of Route 28 will be closed between the airport rotary and Yarmouth Road/Willow Street, with police details onsite. Drivers should expect delays and reroute.
Vehicles travelling west on Route 28 from Yarmouth to Hyannis will need to drive north or south on Yarmouth Road/Willow Street. Vehicles traveling east on Route 28 form the airport rotary will need to follow detour signs south on Barnstable Road and back to Route 28 via East Main Street. Diall 511 for real-time conditions.
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BURFORD A community market has tapped into social media cooking challenges to give customers a chance to engage in an at-home activities during the pandemic.
Oliva Market, which opened on King Street in June, came up with the Chopped Challenge – a chance to buy a mystery bag of food and create a dinner for four, all captured on video so that social media viewers can decide on a winner.
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“It’s been amazing,” said Dan Santos, who co-owns Oliva with his wife, Leah Santos.
Santos said the Chopped Challenge was a way for the business to survive the provincial pandemic lockdown.
Barnstable Town Council sets stage for level-service FY 22 budget
Ells says COVID vaccine distribution tentatively scheduled to begin late March or early April
Bronwen Howells Walsh
Barnstable Town Council President Matthew Levesque of Marstons Mills led the council s Zoom first meeting of 2021 Thursday, keeping the discussion at under two hours before adjourning to a closed executive session. There was no public comment, which is a rarity.
Health emergency
Town Manager Mark Ells reported that Gov. Baker s latest emergency order has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 24 and may be extended further as positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the Commonwealth.