The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced it is investigating perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) found in exceedance of the 2016 Health Advisory established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in parts of East Rockhill and West Rockhill townships, and Perkasie Borough known as the Ridge Run PFC Site.
DEP began its initial investigation after being notified that one public supply well was found to contain combined concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) that exceeded the HA established by EPA, and another public supply well that was found to contain combined concentrations slightly below the HA.
Private well owners and community well owners serving highly sensitive populations, such as nursing homes and daycares, within approximately 1 mile of the impacted public wells will be contacted to schedule water sampling for PFCs.
Bottled water will be immediately provided to any residence whose samples exceed the EPA’s Health Advisory for these contaminants. Initial sampling results will form the foundation for further analysis of the extent of contamination in the area, potential remediation options and long-term solutions for residents.
Activities pertaining to this investigation, including sampling and any necessary bottled water distribution, are fully funded by DEP’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, DEP does not regulate private wells. Although DEP is testing for PFCs, it is recommended that all Pennsylvania residents with a private well have their well water sampled every 3 to 5 years for a variety of chemical compounds to ensure the water is safe to drink.
DEP recommends private well owners contract with a state-certified lab that conducts drinking water tests.
Should a resident desire PFC sampling separate from DEP’s investigation, it is advised to confirm with the lab before proceeding with sampling. Not all labs are capable of performing a comprehensive evaluation, and the number of labs certified to test for PFCs is limited.
Click Here for more information on the Ridge Run PFC Site.
More information on the Ridge Run PFC investigation will be made available on DEP’s PFOA and PFOS: What They Are webpage, including information sheets, sampling maps, details for future public information sessions and more as it becomes available.
Click Here for other PFC sites under DEP investigation.
NewsClip:
DEP Opens PFC Investigation In Bucks County
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