Navy PFAS Remediation Reaches Major Milestone as NBCMA Expands Public Water Access Across Northampton Twp

Richboro, PA [May 15, 2026] - The Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority (NBCMA) reports that a major milestone has been reached in the long-running effort to address PFAS contamination linked to Navy operations at the former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster (NAWC), with Phase 1 of the Navy-funded public water expansion project now substantially complete. The project is in partnership with consulting engineer Pennoni and contractor Joao & Bradley, has connected dozens of affected homes to safe public drinking water while permanently abandoning impacted private wells.

“Reaching the end of Phase 1 is an important moment for our community,” said Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of NBCMA. “This project represents years of planning, coordination, and commitment to ensure residents impacted by PFAS contamination have access to a reliable public water supply.”

Under the Navy-funded Phase 1 initiative, NBCMA constructed approximately 8,400 linear feet of new 8-inch water main infrastructure, installed 13 fire hydrants, and completed water service installations for homes identified by the U.S. Navy. In total, 87 residences were fully connected to the public water system.

“All of the homes connected under Phase 1 were authorized by the U.S. Navy, and each connection included the proper abandonment of impacted private wells,” Sullivan noted. “This work not only protects public health, but also strengthens our regional water infrastructure for the future.”

As of April 10, 2026, NBCMA engineers at Pennoni were notified that the Phase 1 project had reached substantial completion status, though final restoration work and remaining well abandonments are still underway. NBCMA officials said subcontractor Quality Water & Well Service expects to complete the remaining well abandonments by late May 2026. Pennoni and the Bucks County Health Department will continue to oversee inspections and restoration efforts, including roadway resurfacing and lawn restoration during the project’s two-year maintenance period.

While Phase 1 wraps up, NBCMA is already deep into Phase 2 of the PFAS remediation effort. This is a much larger, PENNVEST-funded expansion that will bring public water access to hundreds more homes. After recognizing that additional federal funding was not immediately available, NBCMA secured a $20 million grant through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

“This funding allowed us to continue moving forward without delay,” Sullivan commented. “The scale of Phase 2 is transformational for our service area and demonstrates NBCMA’s commitment to supporting residents affected by PFAS contamination.”

Phase 2 includes two major infrastructure projects: the Churchville Manor Public Water Project and the Hillside Manor Public Water Project. Together, the projects are expected to extend public water service availability to more than 330 homes, pending homeowner acceptance of connection offers.

The Churchville Manor project includes approximately 9,500 linear feet of water main, 10 fire hydrants, and 113 water services, with 160 properties receiving connection offers. The Hillside Manor project includes approximately 7,600 linear feet of water main, eight fire hydrants, and 106 water services, with 174 properties receiving offers. These large-scale construction efforts are expected to continue through early 2028.

“We understand residents are eager for updates and timelines,” Sullivan said. “These are complex infrastructure projects, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of our community as construction progresses.”

NBCMA is also preparing for Phase 3, another Navy-funded expansion effort focused on the Northampton Hills subdivision. The “Northampton Hills Water Main Extension” project was awarded to DOLI Construction Corporation on March 4, 2026.

The U.S. Navy is expected to release additional connection offer letters in the near future, though specific dates have not yet been announced.

To help residents understand the upcoming work, NBCMA will host a public information meeting on June 25, 2026, at 6 p.m. at 25 Upper Holland Road in Richboro.

“This next phase is another critical step in expanding access to safe drinking water throughout impacted neighborhoods,” Sullivan said. “We encourage residents to attend the public meeting, ask questions, and stay engaged throughout the process.”

For more information and updates on the Northampton Hills project, residents can contact NBCMA at 215-357-8515 or visit nbcmatoday.org.