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Coosa Riverkeeper warns county officials about PFAS and posts regular water testing alerts
Summary
Richard Ripken of Coosa Riverkeeper briefed commissioners about PFAS 'forever' chemicals, ongoing weekly water testing and swim-guide alerts, a recent paddle event that brought local tourism benefits, and an upcoming documentary screening on PFAS.
Richard Ripken, representing Coosa Riverkeeper, told the commission the group is monitoring water quality in St. Clair County and urged local officials to be aware of PFAS contamination risks and runoff impacts after recent heavy rains.
“This is a forever chemical because it does not break down naturally,” Ripken said, explaining PFAS accumulates and is expensive to remove from water supplies. He described weekly testing at several local sites and a public swim-guide alert system posted each Friday on the organization’s Facebook Live. Ripken also highlighted a recent Coosa River Ramble paddle event that drew more than 100 spectators and 55 racers, which he said benefited local tourism and hospitality.
Ripken offered to share additional materials, including a report on data centers prepared by the Southern Environmental Law Center, and invited elected officials to attend a documentary screening at the Pitman Theater addressing PFAS origins and impacts.
