Riverkeeper mapping raises questions about PFAS contamination sources in Frederick County, MD

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. — All but one Frederick County Public School with well water contaminated by the so-called "forever chemical" PFAS is in close proximity to fire stations and farm fields in Maryland, where sewage sludge is spread, according to a GIS mapping analysis conducted by the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. Fire stations are of particular interest because firefighting foam, and fireproof materials, are well established sources PFAS, which can be spread by training and maintenance activities.

Sewage sludge fertilizer is also known to contain elevated levels of PFAS, a chemical linked to cancer and other health effects.

"That raises alarm bells," said Upper Potomac Riverkeeper Brent Walls, who conducted the mapping analysis.

Walls cautions that there are many potential sources for PFAS and that his mapping is not proof that fire training and farming activities are solely to blame for the contamination found in school well water. But he says his data raises questions that authorities should look into.

Frederick County officials announced Sept. 5 that wells serving eight county schools exceeded the EPA's newly announced maximum contamination level for PFAS. The school system turned off drinking water sources and is providing bottled water while deciding on next steps.

The U.S. EPA announced in April that it would begin regulating PFAS levels in public water sources at a level 4 parts per trillion. Frederick County began sampling for PFAS after the EPA announcement.

Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe said his department suspended the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS in 2022 as evidence mounted of potential health and environmental hazards linked to the chemical in firefighting materials. Coe said there is no definitive data linking fire stations in Frederick County to ground water contamination. He called the Potomac Riverkeeper Networks mapping analysis "interesting."

PFAS contamination is an "emerging issue," according to Alicia Evangelista, the Frederick County Health Department's program manager for community services. The county has posted information on its website. 

The health department recommends that residents using well water routinely test for contaminants of all types every two years. The department stands ready to assist residents with questions and references to resources such as approved testing labs, Evangelista said.

The Potomac Riverkeeper Network says Cyclopure offers accurate test kits for well owners.