Connecticut lawmakers and environmental advocates gathered at the Farmington River Thursday to discuss potential damage done by the toxic chemical PFAS.
PFAS is found in many industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foam and non-stick pans. An accident in June spilled thousands of gallons of water contaminated with PFAS into the river from a private hangar at Bradley International Airport.
Windsor Mayor Don Trinks says the spill took the river out of commission for the summer.
“We should be surrounded by boats. And it’s dinged us economically, and it’s dinged us recreation-wise because this river is so utilized this time of year.”
State Attorney General William Tong says the state still needs to understand the true nature of PFAS and its impact on the environment and residents’ health.
The state set up a task force to study PFAS earlier this year. Tong says a report is due in October.