PFAS Study Reveals Potential Contamination Sources; Board Denies Controversial Dinner Event
Duxbury Select Board hears results of hydrogeological evaluation and votes down outdoor dining application
DUXBURY, MA - June 3 - The Duxbury Select Board received a report Monday identifying potential sources of PFAS contamination in the town's water supply and unanimously denied a permit for a controversial outdoor dinner event.
A hydrogeological evaluation presented by Kevin McKinnon, senior hydrogeologist with Weston and Sampson, pointed to the municipal landfill, McNeil dump and residential septic systems as possible contributors to PFAS in Duxbury's aquifer.
"We believe that the landfill dump plume path is highly sensitive to the magnitude of pumping rates from the public drinking water supply wells," McKinnon said.
The study showed significant variations in PFAS migration based on which wells were pumping and at what rates. It also highlighted the potential contribution of septic systems in densely populated areas.
McKinnon noted the capture zone for the Partridge Road well "does bring in water from a fairly highly densely populated area with more septic systems than the rest of town."
To confirm the findings, the study recommended developing a groundwater monitoring and sampling program. This would include installing new monitoring wells, collecting additional PFAS samples and taking surface water samples from the Bluefish River.
In other business, the board denied a one-day liquor license for an "Outstanding in the Field" dinner event planned for Aug. 17 at 160 Marshall St. The decision followed discussion of zoning violations, conservation concerns and ongoing legal issues with the property owners.
Attorney David Yudy, representing neighboring homeowners, cited a March 2023 cease and desist order prohibiting commercial activities at the property.
"The ZBA issued a clear directive saying... 'orders that a cease and desist letter be issued ordering the owners to cease all existing and future commercial activity at the property,'" Yudy said.
Property owner Charles Husk argued the event was not for profit and would benefit Duxbury Beach preservation.
"We were planning on taking the ticket proceeds for some of the whatever we make on the event and put it towards the Duxbury Beach preservation," Husk said.
However, board members cited multiple concerns in denying the application.
"This violates our zoning bylaw. We are not... This is a commercial use in a residential area. This is not a not-for-profit or charitable event," said board member Amy MacNab.
The board also approved several one-day liquor licenses for other events and made appointments to town boards and committees.