Six months ago, elevated levels of a pollutant called "PFAS" were found in several private water wells in Woodville, south of Tallahassee. Now the issue appears to be a bigger threat than first thought.
A group of retired local scientists says elevated PFAS - also known as forever chemical - levels found in several private water wells in Woodville might be linked to Tallahassee’s Spray field on Tram Road. Former FAMU environmental professor Dan Axelrad says the fact these chemicals don't break down is only part of the problem.
"Yes, they are forever chemicals. But they could also be called 'everywhere chemicals,' because we use PFAS in thousands of applications in our homes and commercially."
Local allergist Dr. Ron Saff says the substances are linked to serious health concerns. Especially when found in drinking water.
"Cancer and developmental delays in children, reproductive health harms, immunosuppression."
Geologist Fred Kocher says the most likely source for the pollution is the City of Tallahassee spray field on Tram Road.
"As the spray water flows toward Wakulla Springs and passes through Woodville, ground water samples collected from numerous private wells in Woodville, reveal PFAS concentrations exceeding established regulatory limits for drinking water."
Also at the news conference were Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and County Commissioner Bill Proctor. They said they plan to contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to ask them to look into the problem.
