By Doug La Rocque and NYS DEC Press Release
The New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation announced on Monday, July 24 the preliminary results of an ongoing study to assess potential perfluorinated compound (PFCs) contamination in fish in the Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh area. The study found elevated levels of PFCs, mainly perfluorooctane sulfonate acid (PFOS), in certain fish species in one of four waterbodies tested. DOH has issued a “catch and release” advisory for Thayer’s Pond to ensure that residents do not consume PFC-contaminated fish. This advisory applies to recreational fishing only, as no commercial fishing is conducted in the pond, and is in addition to current advisories that are in place on other water bodies in the area. There were no elevated levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in any of the fish species tested.
Michael Hickey, the man credited with bringing the PFOA problem in Hoosick Falls to light, tells The Eastwick Press he is not at all surprised by the announcement, noting, “the people of Hoosick Falls have known for years not to eat any fish caught in the pond, primarily because of previous contamination.” By way of explanation as to DEC’s test results, Hickey said for some reason not yet fully understood, “most fish do not show high levels of PFOA concentrations, while PFC’s are everywhere around us.” He also said he was glad the two state agencies are now monitoring the situation.
As part of the state’s ongoing investigation into the extent of PFC contamination in the Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh area, DEC and DOH sampled fish from four popular lakes, ponds and streams used for recreational fishing. Sampling at each site included one or more sportfish species, as well as a minnow species to evaluate impacts to the ecological food chain. Specifically, DEC analyzed edible portions of the fish for PFCs, including PFOA and PFOS.
As part of the PFC study, DEC collected fish from the Hoosic River, Little Hoosic River, Thayer’s Pond and a stream that drains from the Petersburgh landfill. PFOA levels observed in fish from these waters were very low, and the only elevated levels of PFOS were observed in Thayer’s Pond. “Fishing is critical to the outdoor recreation economy in the state and our research is showing that PFOA is not impacting fish in the Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh areas,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Even though the environmental impacts from PFOA do not seem to be impacting fish, DEC continues to hold those responsible for the contamination accountable for cleaning up their mess.”
“Aggressively investigating the full extent of PFC contamination and its potential impact on public health continues to be our top priority,” said DOH Commissioner Howard Zucker. “Whether it’s the water we drink, or the fish that we catch, residents can be assured that the Department of Health is taking actions to protect New Yorkers.”
In the absence of federal guidelines regarding PFOS levels in fish, DOH compared the levels observed in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh to specific advisory levels set for Michigan and Minnesota, as well as other available sources of relevant health information that informed the decision to recommend catch and release in this pond. To inform anglers of the advisory, DOH is working collaboratively with local officials to post signage around Thayer’s Pond.
DEC is continuing to sample fish from waters in the Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh areas for PFCs, and the resulting new information will be considered along with the currently available information to determine whether future DOH recommendations will change.