Test results released June 19 showed “forever chamicals” PFOS and PFOA were below detectable levels for both of Woodstock’s well fields.
“This is good news,” town supervisor Bill McKenna said. “We’re happy to see this, but we’ll continue to monitor it,” Instead of annual sampling, the town intends to take samples every two to four months, McKenna indicated.
A sample taken last year showed 3.48 parts per trillion of PFOS, up from 0.86 the previous year. McKenna had no explanation for last year’s spike.
“It could be a simple as a contaminant fell off the collector’s jacket. We’re all human, and we’re not perfect,” he said. Perhaps it came off the pipe casting or the pump itself when a new well was placed online last year, he speculated. There was no way of knowing for sure.
The minimum detectable level is 0.930 parts per trillion. The results were reported as “less than 1.86” parts per trillion. In April, the EPA set a new standard for PFOS in water, which is not yet in effect, at four parts per trillion. New York State’s limit is ten parts per trillion.
When residents raised alarm bells, McKenna sought advice from state and county health officials whom he said told him one test result did not indicate a problem
PFOS belong to a group of “forever” chemicals used to make products resistant to stains, grease, soil and water. According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, its components break down very slowly and are found in the blood of people and animals. The chemicals may lead to increased risks of testicular, kidney and thyroid cancer with possible links to prostate, bladder, breast and ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
A town hall-style information session to discuss water issues will be hosted by councilmember Anula Courtis at 6 p.m. on July 24 at the Mescal Hornbeck Community Center on 56 Rock City Road.
Join the family! 
