Frequently Asked Questions

The NYS DEC is working with the Hampton Bays Fire District on a Remediation Plan for the site located at 69 West Montauk Highway in the hamlet of Hampton Bays.
This Remediation Plan is necessary because the DEC has identified this location as a Superfund Site.
The DEC has identified this location as a Superfund Site due to contamination caused by the Hampton Bays Fire District’s purchase of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used for fire suppression responses and training in the 1990s.
AFFF contains perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), among other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS.
PFOS and PFOA are contaminants that have been found in shallow soil in the area where a fire training exercise was documented, as well as in the underlying groundwater at levels that exceed regulatory standards for soil and groundwater.
The New York State Department of Health has established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 parts per trillion for both PFOS and PFOA in drinking water.
The US EPA has recently enacted stricter standards of 4 parts per trillion for both PFOS and PFOA, which New York State is forced to adopt.

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan

The Water District is not responsible for this contamination. The Hampton Bays Fire District has been identified as a responsible party by the NYS DEC.
Even though the Water District is not a responsible party, it has thus far assumed the responsibility of removing the contaminants from the groundwater.

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan

Upon learning of the presence of PFOS and PFOA at this site due to previous Fire Department activities, the Water District installed wellhead treatment on three public water supply wells that have been directly impacted by the groundwater plume emanating from the Fire District property.
This treatment system consists of pressure filtration using a granular activated carbon, or GAC, media. This system removes PFOS and PFOA from the drinking water before it reaches consumers.
This carbon filtration system has been operating at the site since 2018.
The drinking water provided by the Water District from these three impacted wells meets all current and proposed drinking water standards due to this filtration.

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan

The NYS DEC recognizes that the carbon filtration system installed by the Water District is benefiting, and contributing to, the clean-up efforts of the HBFD.
Because of this, the NYS DEC has requested that the Water District continue utilizing this filtration system. The Water District intends to comply with this request since the wells are necessary in order to meet the water demands of the community. It should be noted that these three wells are seasonal, and operate from May to September only.
The NYS DEC also asked the Water District to notify them in the event the filtration system at the site is suspended or terminated. This might happen if the contaminants can no longer be filtered out of the water at a rate that meets Health Department requirements, if a better location is secured for a new well field, or if the filtration system fails and is unrepairable.
In the event the Water District’s filtration system is suspended or terminated, the NYS DEC will reassess treatment options that may be needed for the groundwater portion of the remediation.
The Town Board, in its capacity as the Commissioners of the Water District, agreed to provide this notice through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on December 18, 2023 and authorized by Town Board Resolution No. 1290 of 2023.
A copy of that Memorandum of Agreement

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan

The Water District is committed to completely removing these compounds (PFOS and PFOA) from the water supply, and to provide its customers with clean and safe potable drinking water.
In addition, the Water District is committed to working with the NYS DEC and the HBFD in addressing this issue.
With the need for new treatment facilities, and their maintenance and operations, comes increased costs to the Water District. The Water District has been successful in securing funding in the form of grants for the construction of the wellhead treatment system. The Water District has also brought claims through litigation against the manufacturers of the AFFF products to help recoup costs associated with the ongoing operation of the treatment system.

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are prevalent in the environment. The presence of PFA’s is a widespread concern for many water suppliers and communities across Long Island, New York, and the United States.

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan

If you have questions about the NYS DEC Remediation Plan and activities, call the individuals listed on the DEC Fact Sheet:
If you have questions about the supply of your drinking water, contact the Hampton Bays Water District at (631) 728-0179.
Submit any comments about the NYS DEC’s proposed remediation plan and clean-up activity to the individuals listed on the DEC Fact Sheet before May 10, 2024.

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan

HBWD - Hampton Bays Fire District - Remediation Plan