The Nantucket Airport Commission made significant strides in addressing PFOS contamination during their recent meeting, highlighting a productive collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Last week, representatives from the airport and their consultant, Weston Solutions, met with MassDEP to clarify audit findings related to the airport's PFOS testing methods. The airport's use of EPA method 1633 for sampling was praised for its effectiveness in identifying specific PFOS chemicals, marking a positive development in the ongoing investigation.

MassDEP was initially unaware that many wells had been sampled multiple times, leading to a request for further testing of wells that had only been sampled once in the past four years. The airport has committed to this additional sampling to enhance data accuracy. Despite some ambiguity regarding the justification for contamination boundaries, the meeting underscored the strong working relationship between the airport and MassDEP, with both parties eager to continue their collaborative efforts.

In related news, the airport is set to install new monitoring wells at Statue Park to better define contamination boundaries. Additionally, six homes received bottled water last month, with three now connected to municipal water. One homeowner has opted to continue receiving bottled water for peace of mind.

The next round of drinking water sampling is scheduled for May 21, which will also include the fuel farm treatment system. Overall, the meeting reflected a proactive approach to environmental safety and community health, with the airport team poised to address the ongoing challenges of PFOS contamination effectively.