Empire State Today

Governor Kathy Hochul has revealed that construction is commencing this spring on a permanent water transmission line to establish a new water source for the village of Hoosick Falls. The endeavor is part of a 2023 agreement between New York State and Saint-Gobain and Honeywell to implement the new water supply and tackle perfluorooctanoic acid contamination from historical industrial operations in the area.

"No community should have to question the safety of their drinking water, and we're continuing to make important investments to protect New Yorkers and ensure companies are held accountable for industrial contamination," Governor Hochul stated. "This milestone brings us closer to healing the community in Hoosick Falls and marks another step in our ongoing commitment to address pollutants."

The project entails constructing around 6,800 linear feet of raw water transmission line between a newly developed wellfield and the village's water treatment plant. The construction activities will be carried out by Honeywell and Saint-Gobain, overseen by the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH), and are set to begin in May 2024, lasting approximately seven months.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos expressed, "The start of construction of this new drinking water source is a critical milestone for this community and the result of extensive, science-based efforts by DEC, DOH, and the Hoosick Falls community."

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added, "Under the leadership of Governor Hochul and thanks to the collaboration of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Health, and our local partners, the people in this community are getting a safe, clean and reliable water source."

In response to past contamination issues in Hoosick Falls, the State has been actively involved in remediation efforts. In 2016, PFOA was discovered in the village's public drinking water supply and private drinking water wells, prompting actions to eliminate exposure to the contamination. Subsequently, in 2021, a permanent water source was designated to address the issue, and a $45-million agreement was reached in 2023 to implement the new water supply.

Mayor Rob Allen of Hoosick Falls expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts, stating, "Construction of the new water transmission lines to our new water supply is an important step and major milestone for the Village of Hoosick Falls."

Town of Hoosick Supervisor Mark Surdam also acknowledged the State's commitment to safeguarding the community's health, saying, "Since the discovery of PFOA contamination in water wells in 2016, New York State has been a constant presence in our community, helping to answer questions and address concerns of residents while taking immediate steps to ensure our drinking water is safe."

Moving forward, DEC and DOH will continue to provide updates and information to residents in the Hoosick area regarding ongoing remediation efforts. The State remains dedicated to addressing and resolving environmental challenges to ensure the well-being of its citizens.