Aqua Pennsylvania is pushing forward with major initiatives to combat the pervasive issue of PFAS contamination, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," which have gained notoriety for their environmentally persistent nature and potential health risks.
Recently, Aqua Pennsylvania secured approximately $28.9 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). This funding will support six projects aimed at installing advanced PFAS treatment systems across 15 community well sites situated within Chester, Montgomery, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties.
Marc Lucca, President of Aqua Pennsylvania, expressed the company's commitment to ensuring high-quality drinking water by working closely with PENNVEST. "Aqua Pennsylvania is committed to working within the PENNVEST guidelines to pursue and secure funding opportunities... to deliver the highest quality drinking water for our customers," Lucca stated. This substantial financial backing aims to facilitate the completion of necessary installations without imposing excessive costs on customers.
The urgency for these installations aligns with new federal guidelines announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this year, which set maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS chemicals. The treatment facilities funded by PENNVEST must be operational by the looming compliance deadline of 2028.
Nearly 12,000 residents across the targeted communities will benefit from these systems, including areas such as Upper Uwchlan Township and West Whiteland Township along with other municipalities. Construction of the PFAS treatment facilities is slated for completion by late 2025, marking significant progress toward safeguarding public health against contamination.
Meanwhile, the concerns surrounding PFAS aren't limited to Aqua Pennsylvania. Penn State University is also taking steps to address contamination issues affecting local residents. The university recently announced its willingness to collaborate with the Benner Township Water Authority to potentially deliver public water to approximately 40 homes impacted by hazardous chemicals found within private wells.
According to tests conducted over five years, residents near the State College Regional Airport had PFAS detected above government thresholds. Thomas Eby, a longtime board member of the Benner Township Water Authority, highlighted the precarious financial position of the authority. "The authority is not in any condition to finance any of this," Eby acknowledged, pointing at the stark reality faced by those affected.
The proposed solution to connect to municipal water sources must take care not to inflate service rates for existing users—about 300 customers—that could place additional financial strains on the community.
More discussions are set to take place with both the Benner Township and State College Water Authorities as officials work to map out potential paths forward. Under the proposed agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Penn State has assumed responsibility for maintaining water-filtration systems already installed at some affected homes—a move aimed at addressing immediate health risks.
Jon Dee, founder of Stop PFAS - Blue Mountains, elaborated on how contamination from firefighting foam, used at the nearby airport, has created significant concerns about the water quality. "We know our exposure at least goes back to 2007 because... the PFAS-containing foam was used for firefighting exercises all the way up to 2020,” he revealed.
Simultaneously, another public hearing concerning PFAS contamination occurred this week in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. Regional residents are sharing their experiences and concerns as part of the Inquiry Into PFAS Contamination. The speakers will highlight the long-term health effects associated with these chemicals, which include liver damage and increased cancer risk.
The Cadia Community Sustainability Network (CCSN) and other local representatives will present evidence detailing the contamination events within their waterways, calling attention to the agricultural impacts of polluted water sources.
"CCSN has been told by the EPA... to mitigate the impact of pollution; this position effectively makes the agricultural industry responsible... Polluters must be held responsible and pay for any form of contamination," stated one CCSN representative, underlining the necessity of accountability and proper remediation efforts.
Others, including members of the Blue Mountains City Council and emergency services, are pushing for mandated testing and greater government transparency concerning PFAS contamination. Dee expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the timeline of water contamination, insisting on more proactive governmental measures to establish clean water sources.
Across the globe, PFAS contamination has emerged as a pressing public health issue, urging both state and local governments along with residents to seek long-term solutions. The cases of Penn State and Aqua Pennsylvania highlight the broader challenge of addressing past indiscretions by companies and agencies handling these hazardous materials.
Both local and federal entities are beginning to take necessary steps to combat PFAS issues, implementing stricter guidelines and regulations. Community safety and health hang in the balance as residents strive to rid their drinking water from these harmful chemicals.