Auchincloss may help with Rehoboth PFAS funds

Town Administrator Sue Pimental met with Congressman Jake Auchincloss, D-MA, recently about obtaining federal funds for PFAS remediation.

“Although he was very receptive, (Auchincloss) had no checkbook or no money for us,” Pimental told the Board of Selectmen Monday.

Auchincloss did suggest if there was a capital request the town was thinking of funding, that he could fund through an “earmark” and utilize that money to assist with PFAS remediation.

“We are now checking 39 homes that are within a 500 foot radius of the North and South Fire Station,” Pimental noted.

In 2022, harmful chemicals were discovered in the wells which supply water to the Town Hall and the Fire Station on Anawan Street. The water in the Town Hall and Fire Station wells contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are a category of thousands of man-made chemicals mainly used in consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, mascara, food packaging, water and stain resistant materials and fire-fighting apparatus and foam. These chemicals have been referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their strong chemical bonds that take a long time to dissipate.

These chemicals can circulate in the human body and cause adverse health effects. These effects include fertility issues, heightened cholesterol, changes in immune systems, increased risk of some cancers, liver damage, developmental changes for children and fetuses, and increased risk of thyroid disease and asthma.

Pimental told the Board of Selectmen last month that $1.4 million has already been spent on remediation. Pimental said $300,000 has already been allocated for this year, with another $500,000 in a special purpose account.

Pimental had also met with State Senator Kelly Dooner and State Rep. Steve Howitt about obtaining financial support for the ongoing work. However, due to the fact that Rehoboth does not have a public water supply, the town did not “satisfy any of the requirements for assistance.”