During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical environmental issues affecting the borough, particularly concerning PFAS contamination and lead service lines. Mark Hubel, a PFAS specialist, provided insights into the toxic compounds that have infiltrated public water supplies, including those in Flemington. He highlighted ongoing class action lawsuits against chemical giants, including DuPont, aimed at securing compensation for the borough to address the contamination.

Hubel noted that New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank (IBank) is offering favorable financial options, including low-interest loans with a minimum of 50% principal forgiveness, to assist in funding necessary remediation efforts. The borough is currently working with attorney Mister Sullivan to ensure adequate claims are filed against the responsible companies.

In addition to PFAS concerns, the meeting also addressed the pressing issue of lead and galvanized service lines. Officials emphasized the importance of initiating planning and permitting processes to meet a 2031 deadline for replacing these hazardous lines. The borough must conduct thorough investigations to identify which service lines require replacement, adhering to strict state protocols. Failure to prove that lines are not lead-based could result in mandatory replacements enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The discussions underscored the urgency for the borough to apply for IBank funding for both PFAS remediation and lead service line replacement projects, ensuring that financial burdens are minimized while safeguarding public health.