Williamsport, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a hearing to accept testimony from the public regarding DEP’s prompt interim response in the North Centre Township PFAS Investigation in Columbia County. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in public drinking water supplies and private water supply wells at levels above the federal drinking water standards within a study area of approximately one half-mile radius around the Brookside Village Mobile Home Park.
DEP’s investigation seeks to identify the extent of contamination, potential sources of the contamination, and any private wells in the study area that have been impacted; provide an immediate alternative source of drinking water; and evaluate alternatives to mitigate the contamination. DEP has proposed a prompt interim response through the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) program to address the groundwater contamination. DEP is currently providing bottled water to those affected as part of the prompt interim response.
The public hearing will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lime Ridge Community Center, located at the corner of 4th Street and Hughes Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. Representatives from DEP’s HSCA Program will provide a short presentation about the case before accepting public comment.
Individuals wishing to testify at the hearing are asked to register in advance by contacting Megan Lehman, Regional Communications Manager, at meglehman@pa.gov or 570-327-3659. Onsite registration to speak will also be accepted if time allows. The hearing is open to the public and registration is not needed to attend.
Oral testimony at the hearing is limited to three minutes per person and will be transcribed by a stenographer. Written testimony of any length will also be accepted until the public comment period closes on May 23, 2025. Written testimony should be directed to Cheryl Sinclair at RA-EPNCECCOMMENTS@pa.gov or by mail to DEP at 208 W. 3rd Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701.
DEP will consider all comments equally, whether delivered orally during the hearing or submitted in writing by the deadline. DEP will respond to all comments in a comment and response document following the close of the public comment period.
Persons with a disability who wish to testify at the hearing and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation should contact Megan Lehman or the Pennsylvania Hamilton Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how the Department can meet their needs.
The administrative record and more information about the investigation are available on DEP's North Centre Township HSCA Investigation Community Information webpage.
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