Cedar Creek residents press Cumberland County for PFAS testing, faster timelines and town halls

Dozens of Cedar Creek and Grace Creek residents used the public‑comment period at the June 15 Cumberland County commissioners meeting to press for faster action on PFAS contamination, more inclusive well testing and clearer information about a cited $500,000 grant.

Speakers including Janine Ackles and Carol Olinger said private wells in low‑income areas have been overlooked and urged the county to commit assistance to ensure every household can get testing and that results and remediation plans are publicly shared. "We want answers because we've gone way too long," Janine Ackles told the board, asking for 90‑day town halls and a commitment to proactive outreach to residents who may not know how to request testing.

County response: Commissioners acknowledged the urgency. Vice Chairman Jones asked staff to schedule additional community meetings in Cedar Creek and earlier meetings in Taber Church Road and Steman were cited as precedents. Commissioner Tyson emphasized the board's longer‑running goal to expand water and sewer infrastructure countywide and said staff should factor those plans into zoning and development decisions.

Funding and timeline questions: Several speakers asked how a $500,000 grant tied to a multi‑year study is being spent and why the county expects studies to take up to four years. The speakers asked for a public accounting of how the funds are applied and whether the county can speed up testing schedules and reporting.

Next steps: Commissioners directed staff to prioritize town halls in affected neighborhoods and to continue communications with state agencies and legislators. The board said it has sent letters to state regulators to compel action and will keep residents informed of engineering studies, timelines and available assistance.