Barnstable County expands public-health lab capacity; PFAS testing grows after new certification

Barnstable County health officials told the Assembly of Delegates on Oct. 15 that demand for public-health laboratory services has risen sharply this year and that investments funded in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars have expanded the lab’s capacity.

Dan White, laboratory director for the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, said since July 1 the laboratory has received “over 12,000 samples, 5,000 of which were beach samples,” and that the lab has analyzed “almost 400 samples for PFAS since July 1.” White also reported the lab has tested “over 550 residential wells for various contaminants.” White said the laboratory has seen an approximate 10% year-over-year increase in samples and is on track for a record season.

The department credited the county’s ARPA-funded staffing and equipment investments with the capacity gains. White said three positions created or funded with ARPA dollars — a deputy laboratory director, a PFAS chemist and a part‑time bacteriologist — have been filled or converted into ongoing county positions. “Kevin's position as the Liberty Lab deputy director is one of those,” White…