By Denise Wright
The November 21 meeting of the Petersburgh Town Board began with two presentations and concerned citizens hoping to hear information about the PFOA contamination in the community.
Dr. Erin Bell from SUNY Albany talked about the health study that has been open to all residents. She explained that they are at 50 percent of their goal of getting adults into the study. Individuals who have already had their bloodwork completed over the summer have their clinical results, which include information on cholesterol and thyroid function, mailed to them. Individuals with a 2-20ng/mL can have increased risks concerning cholesterol, blood pressure, and thyroid. The resident can then share the comprehensive report with their clinical provider. Bell said if any resident in the study does not have a clinical provider, they can contact her office, and they will connect residents to one. She stressed that individuals who lived in the area from 2005 through 2016 could join the study. Unfortunately, firefighters and individuals exposed occupationally are not eligible for the study, but Bell stated that they are looking into ways to accommodate them. Bell hopes to work with the school districts because, according to some studies, children exposed to PFOAs could have diminished vaccine response.
The second presenter was Barbara Fire from NYSDOH/DEC, who could not show her slide presentation because of a technical issue but will come back for a public meeting in December. Fire reported that Taconic would be conducting a sampling of agriculture in the area that would include fruit, vegetables, milk, chicken, beef, eggs, and maple syrup. Some concerns were brought up by residents about the Hoosic River having a yearly sampling, but Fire said that there was a significant evaluation. Taconic has performed the selection and provided DEC with a summary. She stated that the consultant who performed the testing was under the direction/supervision of the DEC. Residents did voice a concern about the landfill. According to one Board member, data from a consultant will be going to the DEC in the next few weeks in hopes of developing a work plan. There has been a significant effort to clean up the landfill by picking up tires and repair work on culverts. Data about the water leaching from the area should be available at the next Board meeting. A Board member questioned Fire about the IRM (interim remedial measures) for the area near building one and was told that Taconic is in the process of attaining more samplings and developing a work plan that is being prepared. The final area of concern residents voiced involved air quality of Gen X, a chemical process developing advanced polymers that have replaced PFOA. According to Fire, it is not traveling off the site, so DEC is not testing for it.
The supervisor also reported that the Dog Control Officer and Water Rent Collector had resigned. Joe Dunlop was appointed as Water District Chair. The Youth Director position for 2023 will be finalized at the next meeting.
There will also be three RFPs (Request for Proposals) for the upcoming reassessment, roof/gutters, and the electrical projects. The court system will have a security assessment this week, and the Board appointed Richard Bennett as Court officer.
The standby generator for the PVMCC has been approved, and jersey barriers are being investigated for the entrance. The hope is to use the barriers for other projects.
Tax exemption local laws for Senior Citizens and Citizens with Disabilities are being developed for 2024 taxes. The Parks and Recreation committee reported that the Halloween Party was successful, with almost 100 people attending. They are now preparing for the Toy Drive and the annual Christmas party, which will be on December 17. Finally, the Board set up an end-of-the-year meeting for December 28 at 7 pm.