DOVER — Findings from a 2022 study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — but better known as “forever chemicals” — in Delaware surface waters were released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on Sept. 24, and called for “prioritized follow-up actions” to be taken on six state waterways.
Red Clay Creek, Hershey Run, Long Branch and Shellpot Creek in New Castle County, and Little River and St. John’s River in Kent County were named in the report as deserving further actions.
“DNREC has resampled or plans to resample sites from these watersheds to verify data collected during the initial study. If results support the initial findings, additional samples within the water body and/or general site area will need to be collected in an attempt to determine the lateral and/or vertical extent of the impact,” the report states. “In some cases, it may be necessary to collect samples from sediment, soil, groundwater, surface water, air and/or aquatic life to fully characterize the impact, and to help determine the source(s) of the contamination so that they can be properly addressed.”