MONTPELIER, Vt. — Gov. Peter Shumlin on Tuesday released drinking water test results for perfluorooctanoic acid from a new area of testing south of the Bennington landfill.

 

Of the 40 wells, three had no detection of PFOA, three had below 20 parts per trillion, and 34 had detections above 20 parts per trillion. The highest detection was 201 ppt. Vermont's health advisory level for drinking water is 20 parts per trillion. The majority of the new results were from residences with private wells.

 

The water testing began after PFOA was found in the water in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., and traced back to a company that also operated in North Bennington. Since then, more PFOA has been found in the South Shire.

 

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation began collecting samples in the landfill area two weeks ago after five groundwater monitoring wells surrounding the landfill were tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Landfill monitoring-well results showed PFOA levels ranging from 18 ppt to 140 ppt. DEC staff continue to sample residential wells in this area to determine the extent of contamination.

 

Anyone located south of the landfill and within the testing area with a private drinking water well is encouraged to sign up to have their well tested using the online form here.

 

To allow residents of this new area of testing who may wish to have their blood tested for PFOA, the Health Department has extended its registration deadline to May 31. Anyone in North Bennington/Bennington who has had their well tested by the Department of Environmental Conservation is eligible for PFOA blood draw clinics. To begin the registration process, complete the online survey by May 31 here.

  

The Health Department will then contact eligible participants to schedule appointments. A health and exposure questionnaire must be completed at the appointments for each participant regarding water consumption patterns, diet and exercise, work history, and health history. The blood tests will measure the level of PFOA in an individual's blood, which can be compared to levels measured by CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for adults and older children in the U.S. 

  

For questions or concerns about PFOA, Vermont residents can call 211. Sign up here for well testing if you live in an expanded area of concern.

 

For more information about PFOA and health concerns: go to the website or call the Health Department at 800-439-8550 weekdays from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.