Report highlights high levels of PFAS chemicals in Midstate waterways
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – There are tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians drinking from water systems that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency.
PFAS chemicals are nearly indestructible and, if exposed regularly, can cause cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. The chemicals have been used across industries for decades and can be found in food packaging, firefighting foam and water-resistant items like raincoats and tents.
“The material that they’re in breaks down and then releases them [into the water],” Michael Meyer, a professor of Earth Systems Science at Harrisburg University explained.
According to the report, an estimated 189,000 Midstaters drink water that contains high levels of PFAS chemicals, which is found in parts of Cumberland and Dauphin counties in Veolia Water systems, the Carlisle Area Treatment Plant and Dillsburg Area Authority.
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Veolia Water would not comment on-camera but released the following statement:
Across the US, Veolia has been moving aggressively to meet the challenge of protecting public health and the environment by treating regulated PFAS compounds in drinking water. Veolia has taken the lead by operating treatment systems at more than 30 sites in three states, while planning and building over 50 more. Veolia engineers and water quality experts began monitoring and assessing treatment solutions years ago in anticipation of future EPA regulations.Veolia installed its first PFAS treatment systems in Pennsylvania in 2019 at two plants in Newberry, providing treated water to 3,500 people. Additionally, treatment equipment is also being manufactured for a treatment plant in Mechanicsburg that serves approximately 8,000 people. While PFAS are a concern for many water systems around the country and the world, Veolia’s experience shows that this is a problem that can be solved. Veolia is meeting the challenge with dedicated resources, deep experience and a commitment to protect public health.”
Veolia Water Pennsylvania
The Borough of Carlisle also said it’s in the process of implementing PFAS chemical removal technology, noting that its readings are below Pennsylvania Environmental Protection limits, but above new EPA limits set to be implemented next month.
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Dillsburg Area Authority did not respond to requests for comment.
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