Environmental team reviews PFAS groundwater flow towards Flint Rock and Mary Dunn ponds

The Barnstable County PFAS Remediation meeting held on May 30, 2025, focused on the ongoing efforts to address groundwater contamination in the area, particularly concerning the movement of PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." The meeting began with a detailed examination of groundwater flow conditions, led by Paul and Dan, who utilized visual aids to illustrate the situation.

The discussion highlighted that groundwater flows from higher elevations to lower ones, with the current flow moving towards Flint Rock Pond and then diverting southeast towards Mary Dunn Pond. This flow pattern is critical as it indicates the direction in which contaminants are migrating, specifically towards public drinking water wells MD 12 and MD 3.

Dan pointed out the influence of the pumping at well MD 3, which creates a radial flow pattern as groundwater is drawn into the well. This emphasizes the importance of protecting the water quality in the downgradient areas, particularly around Mary Dunn Pond and the associated wells. The primary objective of the remediation efforts is to intercept and treat the contaminated groundwater before it reaches these sensitive areas.

The meeting also included an illustration showing the extent of PFAS contamination, specifically the sum of six regulated PFAS contaminants in Massachusetts. This visual representation served to underscore the urgency and scale of the remediation efforts required.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical need for ongoing monitoring and remediation to protect public health and the environment from the impacts of PFAS contamination in Barnstable County. Further discussions on treatment strategies and next steps are anticipated as the project progresses.