POESTENKILL – On Nov 6, the Town of Poestenkill was awarded with $3.32 million in state funding from the WIIA (New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act) grant to aid with the creation of a new water district surrounding Algonquin Middle School, where high levels of PFAS were found in the water supply early last year. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known to cause cancer and immune system suppression, among other health issues. The grant is expected to cover nearly two-thirds of the costs associated with creating the water district.
Although the state funding is significant, the source(s) of the initial PFAS pollution remains unknown. The Concerned Citizens for Clean Drinking Water (CCCDW), supports the construction of a new water district but remains concerned about not knowing the root source of the “forever chemical” contamination. Free testing has been limited to those residents selected by county and state officials. Other residents have chosen to pay for private testing out of pocket. The results of both public and private tests have varied from house to house and has only led to further confusion. In addition, the Poestenkill community is still awaiting a promised autumn update from State officials, which was expected to include any new developments on contaminant source(s) and the five business locations tested this past summer.
CCCDW believes that the State grant is a step in the right direction and applauds the Town Board for their efforts in securing this grant for the community. However, the Town indicated that it is not currently on track to get additional federal funding, although efforts continue. Without the additional funding, residents in the affected area would be responsible to cover the additional 40% of water district construction costs if the Town Board and affected residents approve moving forward.
The Water Insecurity Correction Coalition and the Concerned Citizens for Clean Drinking Water will continue to emphasize the need for adequate funding, research, and attention from local, state, and federal leaders to secure additional grants for the construction of a new water district. To bring clarity and resolve this threat to community health, identifying the initial source(s) of contamination is of utmost priority to CCCDW, WICC, and the residents of Poestenkill.
The Water Insecurity Correction Coalition, Inc. (WICC) is a youth-led 501c3 nonprofit organization based out of Upstate New York. The Upstate Water Contamination Project (UWCP) has been working through community surveys and education with residents, local leaders, and organizations of Poestenkill to increase awareness of the threat of PFAS to local water supplies and improve community connectivity to solve this threat to human health. Learn more about UWCP and WICC at yeswicc.com/uwcp.
CCCDW is an ad-hoc group of Town of Poestenkill residents formed to share information and advocate at all government levels regarding the PFAS contamination found at Algonquin Middle School, nearby homes, and other sites in the town that have a history of PFAS usage.
Related News Articles and Websites:
News 10: Poestenkill awarded $3.32M in funding for safe drinking water
Times Union: Poestenkill receives $3.3 million state water grant but still doesn't know PFOA source
Media Contact for WICC:
Arianna Trapp
Media Contact for UWCP:
Annabel Gregg
Media Contact for CCCDW:
Philip LaRocque
Philip@philiplarocque.com
518-596-5586