WGXC-90.7 FM
Many in Hoosick Falls unhappy with PFOA settlement
Jan 13, 2017 12:04 am
Marie J French reports in Politico New York that Hoosick Falls residents and legislators representing the area are not happy with a proposed settlement between the village and two companies blamed for polluting the water supply there. Earlier in the week, a tentative $850,000 agreement was announced between Saint Gobain and Honeywell, the companies that used the chemical PFOA there, which polluted the town's water supply. In the agreement, they do not admit to any liability or any “factual allegations or legal conclusions.” “I just wanted to let out a stream of expletives because it's not enough. This village needs so much more — so much more of everything to make it whole again," said Cathy Dawson, who has lived in Hoosick Falls for almost 30 years. “We’ve got to keep fighting. It’s a David and Goliath situation." David Engel, a lawyer for residents group Healthy Hoosick Water said, “I’m concerned that the village isn’t standing up for itself and I’m certainly concerned that the village isn't standing up for their residents." But Mayor David Borge said the agreement only covers existing wells, not future wells and the agreement does not effect the Superfund negotiations between the state and the companies or possible civil class action claims brought on behalf of residents. “Our little village, our name has been forever tainted with a cancer causing toxin," said resident Michele Baker. "How are we supposed to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and move on when this is pennies on the dollar?" Read the full story in Politico New York.