Senators Shaheen, Hassan, and Pappas Demand EPA Action on PFAS Contamination in Londonderry, NH

Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Representative Chris Pappas, representing New Hampshire, have called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expedite remediation efforts at the Tinkham Garage Superfund Site in Londonderry, NH, due to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. The lawmakers emphasized the need for access to safe drinking water, citing the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, which include certain cancers and long-term health threats. The EPA proposal to address contaminants at the Superfund Site has triggered the lawmakers' request for swift action.

Key Takeaways:

• Senators Shaheen, Hassan, and Pappas have requested the EPA to continue its efforts to remediate PFAS contamination at the Tinkham Garage Superfund Site in Londonderry, NH.
• 89 residents are at risk of contaminated drinking water, with 65 households having been offered bottled water as a temporary mitigation measure.
• PFAS contamination was first detected in groundwater and residential water supply in 2018, and the EPA has linked it to health issues, including cancers and long-term health threats.
• The lawmakers urge the EPA to connect households to the municipal water system to ensure safe drinking water access.
• Senator Shaheen has led efforts in Congress to address PFAS contamination, responding to chemical exposure, and remediate polluted sites.
• Senator Hassan has negotiated for funding to address PFAS contamination and introduced bills to ban PFAS chemicals in food containers, cosmetics, and firefighting equipment.
• Representative Pappas has championed improved standards, increased investment, and a stronger national focus on PFAS contamination and introduced several bills related to PFAS regulation.
• New Hampshire has received over $325 million in water infrastructure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $66 million to address PFAS.

Statistics:

• 89 residents at risk of contaminated drinking water.
• 65 households offered bottled water as a temporary mitigation measure.
• $325 million+ in water infrastructure funding for New Hampshire from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• $66 million specifically allocated to address PFAS in New Hampshire.
• 10 billion secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address PFAS and emerging contaminants.
• $5 billion targeted to small and disadvantaged communities to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants.

Sources:

• Press release from New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.