New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE-Sag Harbor) today applauded the announcement by Governor Andrew Cuomo to provide an estimated $720,000 state grant for a $1.2 million proposed project to provide wellhead protection from PFCs in the Hampton Bays Water District.

According to the federal government, perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be used in such varied products as clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire. Many chemicals in this group, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been a concern because they do not break down in the environment, and they build up in wildlife. On Long Island, the chemicals are believed to be related to contamination from firefighting foam used in firefighter training.

In September, it was made public that PFCs were detected in 2 of the public supply wells of the Hampton Bays Water District. The wells are not currently in use. PFCs can be removed from the water supply by a carbon filtration system at the wellhead. The Hampton Bays Water District has proposed to install such filtration at all 11 of its wells.

Thiele stated, “During the last session, I took a major leadership role in proposing capital funding for water quality infrastructure across the State. Eventually $2.5 billion was included in the 2017 State Budget. With the emergence of chemicals such as PFCs in the environment in locations such as Gabreski Airport, and now the Hampton Bays Water District, the availability of substantial state capital funds is critical to help local government insure the protection of our water supply. I applaud the Governor for providing this important grant in my Assembly District.”