by Chris Tergliafera
Expanded testing of water around the Rt. 203 NYS Superfund site has shown further contamination. The results of October testing were confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday, December 1. The Rt. 203 site had previously been discovered as associated with the Dewey Loeffel toxic landfill, which itself is a federal Superfund site and is currently undergoing clean up of toxic wastes. The EPA conducted the recent samples to see if there was any change in water conditions since samples were collected in March of 2019.
Unfortunately the results were not as favorable as one would hope. Twelve residences located to the south of the site were found to contain Trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent used for degreasing metal components.
It is important to note that only one of the twelve tested positive for levels above state standards. That residence has been supplied with bottled water and the EPA is installing a filtration system for the home until there can be a larger-scale response. Nassau Supervisor David Fleming made it clear he feels affected families should be provided with a public water system at the expense of those responsible for the contamination, and water should be supplied to the area in some way as quickly as possible.
The EPA has agreed to expand testing all the way to the Columbia County border. Supervisor Fleming stated that he understands it may be uncomfortable for some residents to have someone show up and ask to take water samples, but it’s important to cooperate and allow them to test so any contamination can be identified.
He also stated the information isn’t being given to cause alarm, but to educate residents so the issue can be addressed quickly.
Nassau will continue to update residents via their social media outlets and the Town’s website. The EPA will also provide updates as they occur. Supervisor Fleming encouraged residents to reach out to him at Supervisor@townofnassau.org if they have concern over the safety of their water.
