STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO NEWS ARTICLES (PFOS)

Overview of PFAS Testing and Results

The Martinsburg Municipal Authority issued this statement to clarify recent news reports regarding the detection of PFAS chemicals (specifically PFOA and PFOS) in local groundwater.

• Testing History: Sampling was conducted by the Pennsylvania PFAS Action Team in 2019 and 2020 at the Hershberger Well.
• Detection Levels: The testing found PFOS and PFOA in the Hershberger Well at averages of 10. 6 parts per trillion (ppt) and 3. 4 ppt, respectively.
• Voluntary Follow-up: The Authority conducted additional voluntary sampling at all four of its well sources. This confirmed the previous results for the Hershberger Well and detected chemicals at the Wineland Well Field.
• Wineland Levels: Detection at the Wineland Well Field was at such a low level (less than 4 ppt) that it cannot be reliably reported using current laboratory methods.

Regulatory Compliance

The Authority emphasizes that the water supply is safe and compliant with all regulations.

• Current Standards: In January 2023, the PA DEP published a new PFAS Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) rule.
• Compliance Status: The sample results from both the Hershberger Well and Wineland Well Field are below the regulatory MCLs of 18 ppt for PFOS and 14 ppt for PFOA.
• Action Required: No action is currently required of the Authority or its customers.

Future Plans and Funding

The Board is committed to protecting water quality for future generations and is taking proactive steps to upgrade the treatment system.

• Interconnection Project: The first phase involves interconnecting the two well fields to allow for future treatment of all wells at the Wineland treatment facility.
• Funding Sources: The Authority is pursuing multiple avenues to fund these upgrades:
  • Grants: A grant application was submitted to the US EPA community project funding program, supported by Congressman John Joyce.
  • Legal Action: The Authority is seeking money damages through the legal system from companies that produced PFAS and PFOA.

Clarification on Terminology

The statement addresses potential confusion regarding the word "contaminated. "

• Definition: The EPA considers anything in water to be a "contaminant," including harmless substances like soil, bacteria, and sodium.
• Safety: The Authority asserts that the presence of these chemicals does not mean the water is unfit for human consumption, as it fully complies with federal and state regulations.