After PFAS, otherwise called “forever chemicals,” were found in the ground and well water of Newlin and West Bradford Townships, solutions are finally coming through in the form of water filtration systems and a public waterline, writes Brooke Shultz for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Strasburg Landfill in Newlin closed in 1984 after contaminates were discovered, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducting clean up efforts until they deemed it no longer a threat. However, a routine test in 2023 revealed PFAS chemicals seeping from the former landfill.
These chemicals are known to cause liver and breast cancer, as well as birth defects, developmental delays, and other health issues.
The EPA tested well water from around 40 homes in the area, and while some home samples detected contaminants, others did not. Affected houses are promised water filtration systems, but some residents wish all homes were eligible due to the unknown nature of water being compromised.
They also wish they were informed of these issues long ago when purchasing their homes.
The filtration systems will likely be installed in June, and the EPA will maintain and monitor them to ensure no “breakthroughs” of chemicals. Meanwhile, the public waterline is in design stages, with construction from Aqua PA coming in 2027.
Officials state that so far 21 homes have chosen the waterline over well water. Those who maintain their wells will be responsible for filtration system upkeep after the waterline project is finished.
“Back in the ’80s and ’90s, we didn’t have the technology to test for PFAS, but it was there,” said David Greaves, the EPA’s remedial project manager. “Should there be, in another however many years, another emerging contaminant that pops up, you won’t have to deal with it, because you won’t be on that water anymore. This kind of future-proofs your water.”
Read more about Strasburg Landfill and solutions to mediate in Newlin and West Bradford at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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