NEWBURGH – The City of
Newburgh is going to begin litigation against “any and all potentially
responsible parties” in connection with the contamination of Washington
Lake and the city’s water supply.
The city council voted Monday night to authorize lawsuits.
The carcinogenic chemical PFOS, contaminating Washington Lake, has been
determined to have originated from the New York Air National Guard Base
at nearby Stewart Airport. The chemical is contained in firefighting foam,
which was used in the past during drills.
In tandem with litigation, Councilman Torrance Harvey would like the city
to explore possible reimbursements to resident for consuming the water
without knowing that it was tainted.
Councilwoman Karen Mejia said residents of the city as well as towns of
Newburgh and New Windsor should have their blood tested at no cost to
them to determine if their system has been impacted by the chemical.
