Community Meeting Schedulesd June 17; WSSC Water Drinking Water Remains Safe
Montgomery County is notifying residents about elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” that were detected by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in a small stream and stormwater pond near Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenue in North Potomac.
“The County is working with the Maryland Department of Environment to identify the extent and locations of contamination to inform our next steps to protect public health and the environment,” said Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Director Jennifer Macedonia. “We will conduct additional testing, including groundwater and soil to inform remediation plans. We are also collaborating with other state, county, and regional partners in the investigation and response. Evidence will guide our actions, and we will keep the public informed throughout the process.”
What Residents in the Impacted Area Should Know:
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- WSSC Water has confirmed that all publicly supplied water remains safe and continues to meet all federal drinking water standards for PFAS.
- Out of an abundance of caution, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is issuing a localized health advisory for the affected stream and pond areas.
- The County is offering PFAS testing to private well owners within one mile of the highest sampling locations.
- The County has established an interagency task force with state, regional and local partners to coordinate investigation, public outreach and response efforts.
- Additional groundwater, soil and water testing is being planned. Additional information will be provided as new testing results become available.
“We need all residents in the immediate area of Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenue to pay attention to this health advisory,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Furthermore, we are hosting community meetings, posting advisories in impacted areas and directly notifying residents and businesses near the affected stream so people have the information they need to protect themselves and their families. We also intend to continue pursuing accountability from the manufacturers of PFAS-containing products that have contributed to contamination in communities across this nation.”
“We want our 1.9 million customers to know that they can trust their taps because our drinking water meets all Safe Drinking Water Act standards – including all PFAS regulations,” said WSSC Water General Manager & CEO Kishia L. Powell. “As an organization dedicated to protecting public health, we are committed to continuing our 108-year track record of water quality excellence.”
Health Guidance:
County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis advises residents to:
- Do not fish in or consume fish caught from the affected waters.
- Do not swim, wade or allow children to play in the affected stream or pond areas.
- Do not allow pets to drink from or enter the affected water
- Wash thoroughly with soap and clean water if accidental contact occurs.
About PFAS:
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PFAS are human-made chemicals that have been used in industrial applications and consumer products since the 1940s. Because they break down very slowly, they can remain in the environment for long periods. Research has linked long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds with potential health risks. At this time, there are no federal standards for PFAS levels in streams or surface waters. The County is working with MDE and other partners to better understand the significance of the sampling results and determine appropriate next steps.
Montgomery County has been preparing for the possibility of PFAS contamination for several years. In 2023, the County filed a lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS-containing firefighting foam and related products, alleging that these companies knew of the risks associated with PFAS and failed to adequately warn users and the public. The lawsuit seeks to hold manufacturers accountable for investigation, monitoring and remediation costs associated with PFAS contamination. The lawsuit can also be found on the County’s PFAS website at: MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/PFAS.
How to Stay Informed:
- Impacted residents should attend the June 17 community meeting at DuFief Elementary School.
- Call 311 with questions.
- Visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/PFAS for updates, maps and frequently asked questions.
- Sign up for email alerts through the County website.
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Read the original article at mcdep