The New York Department of Environmental Conservation held an environmental justice listening session Wednesday at SUNY Newburgh to address ongoing concerns about PFAS contamination in the area’s drinking water.

The session aimed to strengthen communication between the DEC and disadvantaged communities while ensuring state programs reach affected residents.

Officials presented information about Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance contamination discovered in Washington Lake in May 2016. The chemicals, linked to increased cancer risk, liver problems and heart disease, originated from firefighting foam used at Stewart Air National Guard Base.

The City of Newburgh and portions of the towns of Newburgh and New Windsor switched their water source from Washington Lake to New York City’s PFAS-free Catskill Aqueduct shortly after contamination was detected. Prior to 2016, the municipalities drew water from Washington Lake near Stewart Airport.

The site has been declared a state Superfund site, making the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for cleanup costs.

While the National Guard has switched to less toxic foams and stopped the flow of contaminated water, polluted water still escapes into the environment occasionally, officials said.

The DEC and DoD are determining the full extent of contamination. The DoD is exploring interim solutions to prevent PFAS from spreading through groundwater. Cleanup of Washington Lake will not begin until the contamination’s full scope is established.

Jennifer Rawlinson of the Newburgh Clean Water Project asked whether the DoD would face consequences for allowing polluted water to escape.

Justin Starr, project manager for the cleanup, said State Pollutant Elimination Discharge System permits for Stewart Airport and the Air National Guard Base are up for renewal. New permits could include PFAS limits, he said, with violations potentially resulting in fines.

Andrew Guglielmi, director of environmental remediation, acknowledged challenges with the site’s “quasi state-federal jurisdiction” but said officials continue pressing for action.

Residents raised questions about exposure risks. Starr said contaminated groundwater would be contained to the airport area and that gardening would not reach groundwater levels.

Council member Ronald Zorilla asked about DEC information access for Latino residents and non-English speakers.

Kristen Kulow, a New York Department of Health employee, acknowledged engagement problems in Newburgh prompted the listening session. She said residents remain concerned about tap water despite it now being PFAS-free and encouraged residents to contact the DEC about insufficient outreach.

Rawlinson called the session productive but noted its technical nature might overwhelm some community members.

The DEC plans additional listening sessions, with dates posted on its website. The Restoration Advisory Board meets quarterly to discuss cleanup progress in hybrid virtual and in-person meetings open to the public.