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Several residents living outside of the area of concern have proceeded with testing private well water for perfluorinated compounds (PFOA, PFOS, etc.). Although we have a national list of labs that test for PFCs posted on the DEC website, we have heard from residents using this list that not all labs will accept individual water samples. Apologies for any frustration this may have caused—we are learning! Below is the name of one lab on the list that has accepted samples from Bennington area residents:
If you have had success using another lab, please let DEC know! We will spread the word. Property values after an environmental pollution event — A major concern of local residents recently is potential impact of PFOA contamination on property values in the area. While there is no simple answer to this concern, DEC staff are committed to sharing any resources or studies found related to the issue. A U.S. EPA sponsored paper released this year (March 2016) looked at 17 high-profile chemical pollution cases in the U.S. and the impacts on property values in nearby areas. The results suggest that on average, house values depreciated 3% to 6% after the discovery of a contamination issue, but appreciated by the same rate (3% to 6%) after a clean-up and remediation effort took place. The average effects on property value diminished with distance from the site of contamination. Updated PFOA Sampling Results — A total of 524 wells have been sampled to date. 259 wells contain PFOA in concentrations above 20 parts per trillion. 71 wells are below 20 parts per trillion, and 194 wells are non-detect. An updated summary of these testing results will be available on the website next week. |
| Pownal Update |
| None this week. |
| Shaftsbury Update |
| Private well testing update — Sampling of the residential supply wells within the area of interest occurred between August 8-10th and have been submitted for laboratory analysis. Results are expected within the next few weeks and homeowners will be contacted with their results as soon as possible. Sample results will also be posted online when available. |
| Information Resources Available |
| For general PFOA questions and concerns: Call 802-828-1138. Visit: Vermont DEC PFOA Response Page For questions about potential health effects of PFOA: Call the Vermont Department of Health toll-free at 800-439-8550. Visit: Vermont Department Health PFOA Page You may also reply to this e-mail with general questions. |
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