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Farmington seeks DES and EPA guidance on former fire station contamination; selectmen press for clear monitoring and timelines
Summary
Town officials said PFAS and hydrocarbon contamination at the former fire station remain under evaluation; staff asked NH DES about off‑site monitoring and reported the EPA regional administrator has been invited to meet locally to discuss the Collins & Aikman Superfund site and related concerns.
Town staff told the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 19 that grant‑funded groundwater monitoring at the former fire station has identified PFAS and hydrocarbon contaminants and that the Planning Director seeks further guidance from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services on whether off‑site monitoring wells are needed.
"Whenever you have groundwater contamination of the type it's a strict liability situation so if that contamination has moved to another person's property then the Town as the owner of the source of that contamination remains liable for that," Interim Town Administrator Paul Sanderson said, explaining why the town is seeking clarity from DES about where off‑site wells should be drilled and what remediation obligations might follow if contamination is found beyond town property.
Selectman Charlie King pressed DES accountability and questioned why the town continues testing without a clear remediation plan. "We've done the testing that's reasonable... we've been feeding engineers," King said, urging DES to provide determinations on monitoring frequency and remediation expectations so the town can resolve the property's status. Selectman John Scruton acknowledged the town must continue the administrative process but warned the presence of both PFAS and hydrocarbons could lengthen remediation and investigation timelines.
Sanderson said Planning Director Kyle Pimental is coordinating DES engagement and that the town intends to use available grant funds to target additional monitoring only if DES requests it. Separately, Sanderson said regional EPA staff have been engaged on other area contamination: he reported Kyle Pimental has asked the regional EPA administrator to meet in Farmington to discuss the Collins & Aikman Superfund site; Vachon said the regional official has expressed willingness to meet in town and staff will work to schedule that visit.
Next steps: staff will report back after the DES meeting to summarize monitoring recommendations and any required off‑site work; the board expects to be advised on potential liabilities, monitoring schedules, and options for returning cleared land to the tax rolls if feasible.
