Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics in Hoosick Falls says it is working with local, state, and federal officials after the chemical PFOA was found in several wells in nearby North Bennington, Vermont.
Elevated levels of perfluorooctanoic acid, a possible carcinogen, were found in a wastewater treatment plant well, a local business’ well, and residential wells.
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation tested the water in response to the PFOA contamination discovered in neighboring Hoosick Falls, New York.
North Bennington is home to the Chemfab plant acquired by Saint-Gobain in 2000. The facility closed in 2002.
Saint-Gobain says PFOA was not manufactured in North Bennington or Hoosick Falls. The company had purchased and used PTFE, a chemical compound that contains PFOA. The company has offered to provide bottled water and filtration systems for affected locations.
Public meetings on the contamination are scheduled for Friday, February 26th and Monday, February 29th.