Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics refuses to test wells for PFAS contamination near its former facility, shifting the cost to taxpayers.
Claire Sullivan reports for New Hampshire Bulletin.
In short:
- Saint-Gobain had agreed to provide water solutions for PFAS contamination but refuses to test additional wells in the consent-decree area.
- The state has sampled or scheduled sampling for 72 residences, with many properties exceeding federal PFAS contamination levels.
- The state plans to recover the testing costs from Saint-Gobain.
Key quote:
“We’re doing it only because we feel that those people deserve to be sampled, not because we think the state’s responsible to do it.”
— Michael Wimsatt, director of solid waste division, New Hampshire DES
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination poses significant health risks, including cancer and developmental issues. Saint-Gobain's refusal to test wells burdens taxpayers and delays identifying and addressing pollution sources.
