DEC releases final report on drinking water source study
Following an extensive review by the public and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Municipal Water Supply Study Report has been released.
The final report describes the findings of the study and incorporates comments from the community on the draft version of the study report released in 2019, including information obtained through additional investigative work directed by DEC and completed by the responsible parties under DEC oversight this year. The release of the report is intended to provide the basis for a forthcoming water supply source recommendation from New York State, based on the five alternatives evaluated in the study
• New groundwater source (LaCroix & Wysocki Falls)
• New surface-water source ()
• Interconnection with an existing public water supply (City of Troy)
• Continued use of wells with upgrades
• Continued use of wells with upgrades and capture of PFAS affecting existing village wellfield
In 2016, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination was confirmed in the Village of Hoosick Falls’ drinking water supply. To eliminate the community’s exposure to the contamination, a granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment system was installed in the village water treatment plant which removes the PFOA and other per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) from the drinking water supply. Recognizing that a new source of water for the village may be necessary, New York State committed to performing a study to evaluate sources of drinking water capable of replacing the existing public supply wells.
DEC held availability sessions to present the options identified in the report at the Community Participation Working Group’s (CPWG) public meeting at the Hoosick Falls High School on Oct. 23, 2019.
DEC continues to attend CPWG meetings by invitation to provide updates on all cleanup activities occurring in the Hoosick area including the water supply study, individual site investi
gations, air emissions, and other topics of interest to the community.
DEC, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), will develop a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) that recommends a longterm drinking water supply source for the village that is fully protective of public health. The recommendation may be one of the options presented in the water supply study report or an alternative that combines and/or enhances some elements of the options in the report.
The public will have the opportunity to comment on the alternative once proposed. During the comment period, DEC and DOH will conduct another public meeting to present the proposed remedy. Upon completion of the comment period and evaluation of comments received, DEC will make any changes as necessary and issue a Record of Decision (ROD) that specifies the option to be implemented to address the drinking water supply.