The Barnstable County PFAS Remediation Project Update meeting held on August 1, 2025, focused on the ongoing efforts to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the region. The meeting began with a review of the Massachusetts contingency plan requirements, emphasizing the project's holistic approach due to its proximity to other sensitive sites, including a fire training facility and an airport facing its own PFAS challenges.

Key discussions highlighted the importance of community involvement, with the project team noting the establishment of technical working groups that include local stakeholders, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and citizen groups. This collaborative effort aims to enhance information sharing and project execution.

Since the last meeting in November, significant progress has been made. The team identified data gaps and installed 16 new multi-level monitoring wells to improve data collection on groundwater and surface water interactions. Quarterly groundwater monitoring has been conducted, and additional groundwater samples were collected in May, coordinated with the airport to provide a comprehensive view of the contamination landscape.

The meeting also addressed the initiation of an ecological risk assessment, which includes soil and sediment sampling near local ponds, as well as upcoming fish and insect sampling to evaluate PFAS levels in the food web. The project team is focused on understanding the broader environmental impacts of PFAS contamination, particularly concerning public drinking water wells and local ecosystems.

Overall, the meeting underscored the project's commitment to thorough data collection and community engagement as it moves forward in addressing PFAS contamination in Barnstable County. The next steps will involve continued monitoring and assessment to ensure the safety and health of the local environment and residents.