Yarmouth residents approved Article 2, authorizing the town to begin an evaluation of PFAS forever chemical contamination in local groundwater. The study will focus on environmental and ecological impacts stemming from known sources, including the Barnstable Gateway Airport and the Barnstable County Fire Training facility.

Select Board Chairwoman Tracy Post stated the article initiates the process of understanding how these contaminants affect the local ecosystem. During the discussion, resident Tom Sullivan asked about the current resources available for this work, prompting Town Administrator Robert Whritenour to clarify the town’s financial position. Currently in the settlement fund we have a little over a million dollars, Whritenour noted, indicating the study would be funded through those existing litigation settlements.

The evaluation is seen as a necessary precursor to further mitigation or remediation efforts. Residents supported the measure to ensure the town has a scientific basis for addressing contamination threats to its water supply.

Motion: To move Article 2 as printed in the warrant.

Vote: Passed