County Executive Jenkins fields PFAS contamination questions from town board

By NEAL RENTZ

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins told the Lewisboro Town Board on Monday that the county was willing to work on issues of interest to the town, including PFAS contamination.

This week’s meeting was the first town board meeting in which Jenkins addressed the board. He was appointed in January to replace George Latimer, who was elected to the House of Representatives in November, and was elected as county executive in February.

“We’re continuing to work with everyone moving forward and acting like there are not challenges and changes until those actually happen,” Jenkins told the board April 14.

The town and the county have been working on PFAS contamination issues, Jenkins said, referring to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals.” Work will also continue with Westchester’s state and federal partners to seek funding and other resources, he said.

Councilman Dan Welsh asked Jenkins if he had information on how the county was going to approach the PFAS issue. Welsh said,“It’s a beastly problem.” 

Jenkins commented, “There have been some opportunities for us to work together to try to do different things. The state has the $5.4 million bond act approved by voters. We’re still waiting for those projects to be released.” Flooding projects for the sound shore portion of the county are expected to be released “any day now,” Jenkins added. 

Welsh said people ask him, “What’s going on” regarding work on the PFAS issue. “We don’t have sources of information.”

Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said PFAS thresholds have recently been changed by the state and federal governments. Most of the town uses wells, but the town cannot receive funding for residential well projects, he said, adding that it has been working with state and county officials to obtain funding. 

“We’re going to continue to do that together,” said Jenkins.

People need to be told about what to do if they have a PFAS issue and the Westchester County Department of Health wants a roadmap on how the issue could be addressed, Jenkins said, adding the department is working on placing suggestions on the county’s website. 

Jenkins noted that the county is being represented in the House of Representatives by Democrat George Latimer and Republican Mike Lawler. “I feel strongly that we are blessed in Westchester to be represented by members of Congress of different parties,” Jenkins said. “No matter who’s in charge at the top” there will be one person who will be able to work with the White House to make sure the county is receiving what it deserves, Jenkins said.