CNBNews

My Fellow Citizens of Gloucester City,

As a lifelong City resident, and now Mayor, my singular concern has always been the health, safety, and welfare of our residents. Recently, I became aware of a violation of a newly adopted NJDEP regulation for water quality involving PFNA. In 2020, the City authorized and funded in excess of one (1) million dollars’ worth of improvements to the water treatment system. The new treatment included the installation of state-of-the-art filters with granular activated carbon (GAC). This treatment method, currently in operation, is a highly reliable and proven option to remove certain chemicals, particularly organic chemicals, from water.

Currently, New Jersey and California are the only two states to enact PFNA regulations as stringent as 13 part per trillion (“ppt”). Six (6) states have enacted regulations with limits higher than 13 ppt; several have adopted the Federal Standard of 70 ppt and the balance has failed to enact any standards at all. An illustration of the enactment of PFNA regulations across the Country is set forth below.

The City is currently providing drinking water with PFNA levels at zero (0) part per trillion (ppt) based upon its newly constructed water treatment system. Compliance with the most stringent drinking water standards anywhere in the Country is always our goal.

The newly enacted NJDEP regulations addressing PFNA have been followed up by a number of lawsuits against companies in adjacent communities, including a suit against a West Deptford company by the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey. It is likely that this chemical compound, and its infiltration into our drinking water, was the result of reckless manufacturing and disposal practices. Accordingly, I have directed the City Attorney to investigate this matter and work with the State of New Jersey to hold those responsible accountable for their careless and grossly negligent practices.

I have also directed that moving forward, in the interest of full transparency, the City post all drinking water test results, including those for PFNA, on the City’s website immediately upon its availability. This information can be viewed at: https://www.cityofgloucester.org/department-utilities/pages/pfna-reporting .

Finally, any questions may be directed to our Water Utility Department at (856) 456-0169.