New data shows the persistence of forever chemicals in Delaware’s surface waters.
A study conducted across 33 watersheds in the fall of 2022 looked at the extent of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, colloquially known as “forever chemicals” due to their perceived inability to degrade over time.
Many different methods were performed, looking at dozens of chemicals that fall under the PFAS family, and six watersheds were identified as having prioritized concentration for future testing.
Here’s what to know.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
PFAS, which stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes over the years that potentially cause adverse health impacts upon consumption. Due to their longevity in the environment, they often are referred to as forever chemicals.
Commonly known sources of forever chemicals include firefighting foams, wire insulation, cleaners, textiles and other consumer products.
Experts warn that PFAS contamination can cause adverse health effects. It has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a “possible carcinogen.”
Elevated levels can lead to increased cholesterol levels and liver problems. Pregnant people exposed to elevated PFAS levels are considered to be at a higher risk of increased blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, and that may result in lower birth weights in newborns.
What Did the Study Show?
Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control conducted a sampling of Delaware’s surface waters in the fall of 2022 to identify areas where future PFAS-control initiatives should be prioritized.
PFAS are a family made up of thousands of chemicals, but this study focused on just 39 of the more prominent chemicals typically found in surface water bodies. The purpose of the data collection, according to DNREC hydrologist John Cargill, was to gather preliminary information on what areas have the highest concentrations of forever chemicals.
“[The study] is a first step in a scientific process to drive us to the areas that are the most heavily impacted,” Cargill said. “The purpose in this case was for us to start to define where our highest impacts are in the environment, and it helps prioritize where we spend additional resources.”
Federal officials finalized standards for maximum amounts of forever chemicals that are allowed in certain bodies of water. Generally speaking, this limit is capped at 4 parts per trillion.
According to the data gathered in the study, just five were at or below this limit. A majority of the sampling sites were just slightly above, but 15 sites were found to have higher than 10 times the limit.
Six watersheds stood out to the Department’s scientists as priorities for future testing and treatment.
The six watersheds with the highest surface water PFAS concentrations:
- Red Clay Creek
- Hershey Run
- Long Branch
- Shellpot Creek
- Little River
- St. Jones River
According to Cargill, all of these sites, except for St. Jones River, were specifically listed as priorities due to the higher concentrations of PFAS substances that are significantly above the statewide standard for acceptable.
St. Jones River’s water samples indicated a “fingerprint” of specific forever chemicals that differed from any of the other samples tested. These findings could lead to information on where the forever chemicals are coming from, and hopefully to stop them from spreading.
Mark Nardone, director of advocacy for the Delaware Nature Society, gave credit to DNREC for trying to get an idea of how pervasive the forever chemical problem in Delaware is with the most recent study.
“The results are troubling, but not unexpected,” Nardone said. “We hope this is a step toward a comprehensive strategy for remediation or mitigation. For now, it’s important that individual Delawareans learn all they can about PFAS so they can take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
According to DNREC hydrologist Todd Keyser, additional studies already are underway in multiple other watersheds around the state.
PFAS in Delaware
Follow-up actions also will include reviewing the data, resampling as needed to verify the results and working backward to try and track the contaminants to a potential source.
Tracking down forever chemicals in Delaware has been going on for nearly a decade. Wastewater, groundwater and drinking water tests have been conducted over the years, but standards and scientific context continue to develop at a rapid pace nationwide.
Following the EPA’s updated maximum contaminant level issued in April, an analysis from USA TODAY found that five water systems detected forever chemicals above the allowed limit. Considering the federal regulations are fairly new, the water systems have until 2027 to complete monitoring tests and must be in compliance by 2029.
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Last year, Attorney General Kathy Jennings filed suit against 3M and 12 other companies, claiming Delaware’s natural resources and public health have been jeopardized by forever chemicals.
The City of Newark also joined two class-action suits in December 2023 against 3M and DuPont related to PFAS contamination. As recently as March 2024, towns like Little Creek have found high levels of PFAS in local water supplies.
– By DelawareOnline. Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.