The former Chemfab site is in the lower left; Bennington College is in the center. Google satellite screen shot.
Vermont Business Magazine Test results received Thursday from a municipal well in Pownal show levels of PFOA that are slightly above the advisory level set by the Vermont Department of Health. Three samples taken from the Fire District #2 municipal water source in Pownal – which serves up to 450 residents – showed PFOA levels of between 26 and 27 parts per trillion (ppt). Those results are slightly above an advisory PFOA level of 20 ppt that has been set by the Department of Health. A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the American Legion Hall. Vermont DEC and Health officials and others will be on hand to answer questions. If residents have questions or concerns or need water because they are connected to the Pownal Fire District #2 supply, they should call 2-1-1. Because the results indicated PFOA levels slightly above the advisory level, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is advising impacted residents to stop drinking the water.
DEC is arranging for drinking water distribution to residents whose homes are on the affected municipal source. Water will be made available to anyone who wants it, regardless of age, starting tomorrow. Water will be available at the Pownal Rescue Squad, 22 Ladd Brook Road starting tomorrow morning. DEC is working to determine the best way to address the low levels of PFOA in the drinking water.
Water Update:
Water buffalo filling stations are expected to be available at 4 pm Friday at the following locations:
· Pownal Rescue Squad—22 Ladd Brook Road
· Burdick Trailer Park—Burdick Trailer Park
· Green Mountain Mobile Home Park—Green Mountain Tr. Park (off Route 7)
· Alta Garden Trailer Park—Post Road (off Route 7)
Bottled water is also be available for pick-up at the Pownal Rescue Squad: 22 Ladd Brook Road.
Private Well Sampling Update:
Given the low levels of PFOA detected in Pownal, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) does not believe the contamination is widespread. However, as a precaution, DEC has established a one mile radius around the former Warren Wire plant to test private drinking water wells. Details will be discussed at the community meeting on Monday. Residents should dial 2-1-1 to sign up to get their well sampled. Private drinking water well sampling will begin next week.
PFOA is a possible carcinogen. Following news reports of potential PFOA contamination in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., Vermont tested public and private wells in North Bennington surrounding the former Chem Fab plant. The public wells in North Bennington and Bennington are not impacted, but about 90 private wells in the area have shown PFOA levels over 20 ppt.
After the testing in North Bennington was underway, DEC officials were contacted by a number of residents about possible dumping at a former manufacturing site in Pownal located at the former Warren Wire Plant #1. DEC worked with the EPA to collect samples last week from a well that is located about 1,000 feet from that site. Given the low levels of PFOA present in the results received today, it is not likely the contamination is more widespread in Pownal. However, DEC officials will collect additional water and soil samples in the area in the coming days.
PFOA is an emerging containment. It is not a chemical that is tested for in standard water tests or listed on a list of hazardous chemicals under federal law that require management. There is no at-home test that detects PFOA. The test for PFOA requires samples be sent out-of-state. PFOA can be harmful when ingested, but it is not absorbed through the skin if present in water used for washing.
Between 2013 and 2015, 10 municipal supplies around Vermont were sampled for PFOA and other emerging chemicals. PFOA was not detected in any of those wells, including Bennington, Barre City, Brattleboro, Burlington, Jay Peak Basin Complex, Lyndonville, Rutland City, Shaftsbury, South Burlington and Winhall Stratton Fire District 1.
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BACKGROUND
PFOA is a manufactured chemical that belongs to a group of chemicals used to make household and commercial products that resist heat and chemical reactions, and repel oil, stains, grease and water. These chemicals are widely found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, water repellant clothing, paper and cardboard food packaging and fire-fighting foam.
PFOA does not break down easily and therefore persists for a very long time in the environment, especially in water. Its toxicity and persistence in the environment means it is a potential danger to human health and the environment.
PFOA Contamination in North Bennington
The fact sheets, in question and answer format, will be regularly updated with new information and guidance as it develops. Please check them to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, or call the PFOA Information Line.
Fact Sheet for Residents of North Bennington 
Health-related information and guidance from the Department of Health.
Fact Sheet about PFOA and Agricultual Products
Information from the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets about the possible impacts to agricultural products, based on the scientific literature available.
- Information Line: 802-828-1038
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Information call line for residents with questions, concerns about PFOA contamination, and to request a water test.
- For questions about potential health effects of PFOA
Call the Vermont Department of Health toll-free at 800-439-8550.
Department of Environmental Conservation PFOA Information
Information for Health Care Professionals
Background
The Agency of Natural Resources/Department of Environmental Conservation tested a number of water sources near the former ChemFab plant in North Bennington, and results show varying levels of a potentially harmful chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. The public water supplies in North Bennington and Bennington have been tested and are not affected, but residential and commercial wells have test results ranging from non-detect to nearly 2,500 parts per trillion (ppt).
Additional residential wells in the area that may have been affected are being tested. Residents who have contaminated wells or are waiting for test results should not drink or use the water for preparing food, cooking or brushing teeth. The State is providing bottled water to homes within a 1.5 mile radius of the former ChemFab plant.