Values are in ppt (parts per trillion)
* Nashua Road well is offline

PFAS in Pepperell

Ongoing

• More frequent testing as required by DEP
• Continued public education

February 2023 

• Fuss & ONeill Presentation to Select Board 02/28/2023

January 2023

• DPW presentation to Select Board on mitigation options and alternatives:
  • Presentation slideshow
  • Summary table of options

October 2022 

• MassDEP Notice of Responsibility

May 2022

• Outdoor watering ban imposed May 1 - October 31, 2022

April  2022 

• Mass. Legislature Joint Report   - Legislative PFAS Task Force issued an 88 page report for statewide distribution. 

July 2021

• Drought status / outdoor watering ban lifted, indicating increased groundwater recharge and less system strain

June 2021

• Greensands plant online and Bemis wells returned to service, reducing strain on Jersey wells

May 2021

• MassDEP presentation to Select Board
• Public Education Summary
• Public Information Session

April 2021

• Confirmatory testing performed at Nashua well brought the two-month average to 22 ppt.
• Nashua Road well withdrawal reduced to backup only, placing added strain on Jersey Street wells during seasonal drought; Bemis wells still offline during Greensands treatment plant wrap-up

March 2021

• Routine sampling detected PFAS levels at the Nashua Road well in excess of the 20 ppt limit established by MassDEP in October 2020, but below the 70 ppt limit set by EPA. 

What are PFAS and why are they a problem?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals used since the 1950s to manufacture stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick products. PFAS are widely used in common consumer products as coatings, on food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, and more.

Certain types of firefighting foam—historically used by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports to fight oil and gasoline fires—may contain PFAS.

PFAS in drinking water is an important emerging issue nationwide. Because PFAS are water soluble, over time PFAS from some firefighting foam, manufacturing sites, landfills, spills, air deposition from factories and other releases can seep into surface soils. From there, PFAS can leach into groundwater or surface water, and can contaminate drinking water. PFAS have also been found in rivers, lakes, fish, and wildlife.

PFAS stay in the environment for a long time and do not break down easily. As a result, PFAS are widely detected in soil, water, air, and food. Some PFAS can accumulate in the food chain. Exposure can occur when someone uses certain products that contain PFAS, eats PFAS-contaminated food, or drinks PFAS-contaminated water. When ingested, some PFAS can build up in the body and, over time, these PFAS may increase to a level where health effects could occur.

Studies indicate that exposure to sufficiently elevated levels of certain PFAS may cause a variety of health effects including developmental effects in fetuses and infants, effects on the thyroid, liver, kidneys, certain hormones and the immune system. Some studies suggest a cancer risk may also exist in people exposed to higher levels of some PFAS. Scientists and regulators are still working to study and better understand the health risks posed by exposures to PFAS, and MassDEP is following developments in this burgeoning area closely.

Additional Information

Mass DEP PFAS Details

MassDEP PFAS fact sheet

MassDEP PFAS FAQ

What about bottled water?

What does 1 ng/L or part per trillion look like?

Please visit the PFAS Task Force page for more information on this group. PFAS Task Force