DEP Sets Feb. 13 Hearing On Hazardous Sites Cleanup Plan For Newberry Twp. PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Contamination Site In York County; Levels Exceed DEP Drinking Water MCL

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a February 13 hearing and comment period on the proposed Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act response plan for the Newberry Township PFAS ‘forever chemical’  contamination site in York County.  (PA Bulletin, Page 8131)

There will be an informational presentation of the DEP’s activities at this site prior to the public hearing.

The hearing will be held at the Cross Roads Middle School Auditorium 535 Fishing Creek Road in Lewisberry starting at 6:30 p.m.

Persons wishing to present formal oral comment at the hearing should register before 4:00 p.m., February 13, 2024 by calling John Repetz at 717-705-4904 or send email to: jrepetz@pa.gov. 

If no person registers to present oral comments, by February 13, 2024 the hearing will not be held, but will be replaced with an informational meeting. Persons interested in finding out if anyone has registered, and if the hearing will be held, should also contact John Repetz.

Visit DEP’s Newberry Township PFC Site webpage for documents and more information.

Background

Groundwater serving a number of residential and commercial wells and springs in the area of Newberry and Fairview Townships is contaminated with Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a large class of man-made synthetic chemicals. 

The Site includes a mix of residential, commercial, and light-industrial properties. 

At the present time, the source(s) and extent of PFAS contamination has not been identified or determined.

DEP has sampled private, commercial, and public-supply wells, monitor wells, springs, streams, and ponds since 2019 at the Site. The sampling has identified 13 residential/commercial and 2 public-supply wells/springs that exceed the current Pennsylvania MCLs for PFOA and/or PFOS.

The proposed Hazardous Sites Cleanup Plan looked at three options--

-- No Action;

-- Provision of bottled water and institutional controls to prevent the use of contaminated water; and 

-- Installation of point of entry water treatment systems and institutional controls.

DEP is recommending the third option.

Visit DEP’s Newberry Township PFC Site webpage for documents and more information.

Public Comments

DEP will accept public comments until March 31, 2024.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for instructions on how to review the proposed response plan, how to submit comments and additional background information.  (PA Bulletin, Page 8131)

Visit DEP’s PFAS in Pennsylvania webpage for more information on PFAS chemicals.

Related Article:

-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Discuss The PFOA/PFOS ‘Forever Chemical’ Drinking Water Standard, Hydrogen Hubs In PA At Jan. 9 Meeting  [PaEN] 

[Posted: December 29, 2023]  PA Environment Digest