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Gilbertsville Elementary School in Pennsylvania has discovered its water supply is contaminated with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." The contamination is linked to the nearby Boyertown Landfill, which has been a dumping ground for various wastes for decades. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the landfill, capped in 1987, is being considered for addition to the national Superfund list due to its environmental impact.
The school's water tested at an annual average of 6.7 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFAS, below Pennsylvania's current standard of 14 ppt but above the upcoming federal limit of 4 ppt, which will take effect in 2031. The Boyertown Area School District is working with Suburban Water Technology Inc. to develop a plan to reduce PFAS levels to meet federal standards.
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in various consumer products since the 1950s. They are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in human bodies, posing health risks such as increased cancer risk and developmental issues in children. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is providing bottled water and filters to homes with private wells exceeding the federal standard, Gilbertsville Elementary will not receive similar assistance. The school's well is part of a small public water system, which is required to address the contamination independently.
The Boyertown Sanitary Landfill, located on a 60-acre property in Douglass Township, has a history of accepting municipal waste, construction debris, and industrial waste. State and federal officials are still deciding whether to designate the landfill as a Superfund site, which would prioritize it for cleanup due to its potential health risks.