Groundwater pollution at closed Riverhead landfill is 10x state limit, investigation finds
Source: https://riverheadlocal.com/, September 21, 2021
By: Denise Civiletti
Chemical contaminants known to have a wide range of health risks have been detected at the Riverhead landfill site on Youngs Avenue at levels up to more than 10 times the state drinking water standard, prompting an investigation by environmental and health officials into potential contamination of nearby private wells.
Sampling at existing monitoring wells at the Riverhead landfill, which closed in 1993, showed maximum concentrations of 110 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) and 49 ppt for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said. Under new drinking water standards adopted by the state last year, the maximum level for both contaminants is 10 ppt. Read more.
