FREDERICK COUNTY, Md — So-called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, are odorless, tasteless compounds that can pose serious health risks—and they’re increasingly being found in local waterways, including the Monocacy River in Frederick County.
A national study released by the Waterkeeper Alliance found PFAS contamination in rivers, creeks, canals and a bayou across 19 states. Among the findings were elevated levels of PFAS in the Monocacy River, making it the seventh most contaminated waterway sampled.
Brent Walls, the Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, collected water samples from various points along the river. His results showed PFAS levels exceeding 59 parts per trillion downstream and more than 26 parts per trillion upstream…