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County issues public advisory after elevated PFAS found near Great Seneca Highway
Summary
County staff reported elevated per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a stream near the former Public Safety Training Academy adjacent to Great Seneca Highway. The county issued a public‑health advisory to avoid contact, is offering free well testing within a mile for fewer than 10 identified private wells, and plans additional water and soil testing with MDE.
Sean O'Donnell told the council that the county and Maryland Department of the Environment found elevated PFAS levels in a small stream near Great Seneca Highway adjacent to the former Public Safety Training Academy. He said initial monitoring by DC Water and WSSC prompted further testing by MDE, which found higher concentrations in some locations.
The county issued a public‑health advisory "out of an abundance of caution" asking residents to avoid contact with the water, not to consume fish from the affected water and to keep children and pets away. DEP has identified fewer than 10 private wells in the area and will provide free testing within a one‑mile radius; door‑to‑door outreach, flyers and a sign‑up list for updates were also deployed. "We are concerned about ingestion, so we don't want anybody accidentally drinking the water," O'Donnell said.
County staff said the contaminated locations are not drinking‑water intakes and that DC Water and WSSC monitor drinking supplies; additional soil and sediment testing is planned and the county is participating in a joint task force with state and regional partners. Officials urged annual well testing for anyone using well water and described ongoing community town halls.
