Two samples of PFOS found in Poestenkill

POESTENKILL, N.Y. » Two new samples of PFOS have been detected in residences this week in Poestenkill following testing performed by the Rensselaer County Department of Health and in cooperation with the New York State Department of Health.

“We have been briefed on two samples taken in Poestenkill that show levels of PFOA above the level permitted by the state. The samples were confirmed by testing conducted by the Rensselaer County Health Department in conjunction with New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation,” Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said.

The two new samples were confirmed after testing was conducted of 10 properties in the area around the Algonquin Middle School near the intersection of State Routes 66 and 351. During annual required testing by the school, PFOAs were previously discovered at the school, leading to the testing of the 10 wells.

“When I was informed of these two samples, I drove out to the two properties and dropped off bottled water. I was able to speak to one of the residents at a property involved. Residents should know the county will give this priority attention and will provide updates on the situation when received,” McLaughlin explained.

“The town is working with the county and the state to both monitor the situation and respond where needed. We have known this has been an issue since news of the levels at the Middle School was announced earlier this year. Residents should know that extra testing is coming and that more information will be provided when we get it,” Poestenkill Supervisor Keith Hammond noted.

One of the confirmed samples showed a level higher than the levels at the school. The second sample showed a level similar to the school. The testing was in compliance with the state requirements for a maximum contaminant level of 10 PPT.

“We are continuing to assemble information and data on this issue, and working closely with New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation to fully respond,” Rensselaer County Health Director Mary Fran Wachunas remarked.

The state will be providing bottled water to the two residences with the confirmed case, and offering installation of a POET (point of entry treatment system). The cases were confirmed Tuesday afternoon and each residence was contacted by the county, which also dropped off bottled water.

Additional sampling is planned for a wider area around the school, efforts are now underway to finalize the properties. Letters seeking permission from property owners to allow testing will be sent in the coming days.

“The county will be reaching out to property owners in the coming days, and ask for patience from residents as we continue to investigate. We will provide timely updates so residents, property owners and those who in the area are given necessary information,” Wachunas added.

Residents and property owners in the area involved can call the Rensselaer County Health Department’s Environmental Division at 518-2702655.