The proposed Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Merrimack is situated within a contamination zone known for problematic PFAS chemicals in both soil and water, linked to past industrial operations. These “forever chemicals” pose health risks, and while public water utilities are addressing contamination, private wells have shown significantly higher levels than state standards. Local officials are raising concerns about zoning regulations and the potential impact on the town’s Aquifer Conservation District, with federal agencies often having the ability to override local zoning ordinances for detention facilities. This situation mirrors other proposed detention centers across the country that have been located near environmental toxins.
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The Italian court has sentenced 11 executives to jail for groundwater pollution stemming from the Miteni fluorochemicals plant in Trissino, Italy. Miteni, previously owned by Mitsubishi and later ICIG, was found to be the source of widespread PFAS contamination in the surrounding area, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Prosecutors argued that Miteni failed to treat its wastewater and concealed the pollution after its discovery. The court ordered Mitsubishi, ICIG, and the convicted defendants to pay approximately €57 million in damages.
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A new lawsuit alleges Chemours’ West Virginia PFAS plant, Washington Works, has repeatedly exceeded permitted PFAS discharge levels since 2023, contaminating the Ohio River. This continues a decades-long struggle against pollution from the plant, despite past legal victories that revealed the significant health risks of PFAS exposure to area residents. The current lawsuit, filed by the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, cites numerous violations and demands an end to the pollution, while Chemours maintains that the concerns are being addressed. The EPA, though acknowledging the violations, has yet to take further action.
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High levels of PFAS, from firefighting foam used at Jersey’s airport, have been detected in the blood of many islanders, exceeding safe thresholds and potentially causing serious health issues. As a result, the government, advised by an independent scientific panel, is exploring bloodletting as a treatment option, alongside the drug cholestyramine, to reduce PFAS in affected individuals. However, concerns remain about ongoing water contamination, with elevated PFAS levels found in both public and private water sources, potentially impacting health and agricultural products. The government’s previous confidential settlement with 3M, the manufacturer of the foam, restricts its ability to pursue more aggressive action.
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I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and anger as I read about the recent incident where Texas farmers claim a company sold them PFAS-contaminated sludge that ultimately led to the death of their livestock. The fact that PFAS compounds, known as “forever chemicals,” were present in the sludge is alarming, considering the severe health issues they are linked to, such as cancer, liver disease, and birth defects. The idea that this contaminated sludge was being sold as a cheap alternative to fertilizer is deeply troubling.
The Environmental Protection Agency allowing this contaminated sludge to be spread on cropland as “biosolid” fertilizer due to its high nutrient content is mind-boggling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker