Read the full article by Michael Casey (Valley News)
“New Hampshire has denied a request from a chemical company blamed for contaminating drinking water with PFAS chemicals to delay installing smokestack upgrades that would address the problem.
Saint-Gobain had argued the delays are necessary partly due to problems the company’s suppliers and contractors have faced because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But the state found Thursday that the company must move ahead with installing the equipment that is aimed at significantly reducing the release of the harmful chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known collectively as PFAS.
The state ‘recognizes the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had and may continue to have on material delays in the supply chain and vendors’ and subcontractors’ ability to meet project schedules,’ the state said as part of its decision. ‘However, the fact that COVID-19 has the possibility to cause delays or hardships does not overcome the impacts, including the health impacts, to the public at this time.’
Lia LoBello, a spokesperson for Saint-Gobain, said Friday that the company is “evaluating our next steps.’ ‘We are committed to installing the best available control technology,’ LoBello said…”