DEC Expands Area Of Concern For Mahopac Wells, Sets Public Session

MAHOPAC, NY — With more private wells in the hamlet of Mahopac showing high concentrations of "forever chemicals," the New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week it has expanded its area of concern past the initial Business District Wells Superfund site.

DEC officials will hold a public session so people can ask questions and learn about available information and resources.

• WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Aug. 31
• WHERE: American Legion, 333 Bucks Hollow Road

Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are known as “forever chemicals” because of their durability, which means they remain in the environment for years without breaking down. They’ve been used in a wide range of products since the 1950s, including cosmetics; water-, grease-, and oil-resistant clothes and cookware and some fire-fighting foams.

They have been linked to infertility, thyroid problems and several types of cancer. In June, researchers reported that PFAs are more dangerous than previously thought and are found in all states. SEE: EPA Issues New Drinking Water Health Advisories: See New York Impacts

The DEC found PFOAs and PFOs in 2020, as part of its ongoing monitoring of the Mahopac Business District Wells Superfund site and its statewide emerging contaminant investigations. They were detected in groundwater from monitoring wells nearby at concentrations that exceed the state’s protective MCLs of 10 parts per trillion.

So, beginning in 2021, state researchers began sampling private wells around the Superfund site in phases, starting with properties closest to Routes 6/6N and Cherry Lane.

Based on those results, the area of concern has now expanded, the DEC said in the status report issued this week: August Community Update: Protecting Mahopac's Drinking Water

To date, 113 water supply wells have been tested. With the exception of one private water supply, each tested well has exhibited concentrations of PFOA and/or PFOS above the state's limit, the DEC said.

Affected property owners were supplied with bottled water, and point-of-entry treatment systems were offered at no cost; 46 owners took them up on that offer, so DEC installed and is maintaining their POET systems.

Water supply well sampling and — if needed based on results — alternate water supplies are available at no cost to property owners within the currently defined ‘area of concern.'

The DEC is trying to identify the potential sources of PFAS contamination. The investigation
began with an evaluation of property uses in the area and will include collection of soil and groundwater samples near potential sources.

In addition, an investigation into the impact of PFAS on Lake Mahopac via fish tissue, surface water, and sediment sampling is underway.

Meanwhile, the public session is Aug. 31.