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Bayfront Park Water Testing

Updated Information per the Maryland Department of the Environment
Posted on: June 28, 2021 - 12:43pm
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June 29, 2021 (Chesapeake Beach, MD)- The Town of Chesapeake Beach initiated a voluntary third-party test for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) of the waters at Bayfront Park within two locations, the creek and the Bay. The results show levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at both locations. 

The Town has provided these results to the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) and the Calvert County Department of Health for guidance and interpretation.

The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) toxicology division has confirmed that there is no action required at this time, based on the results, and that the results are consistent with what has been found in other waters.

MDE provided additional clarification on June 29, 2021, stating the following; "The concentrations presented in the Chesapeake Beach samples are similar to those in water bodies at other locations within the Chesapeake including locations that are not located near contaminated sites. Background samples were collected in Fishing Bay and are similar to those at Chesapeake Beach. The concentrations reported at Chesapeake Beach do not represent concentrations that would limit recreational use of these waters. PFAS and specifically PFOS and PFOA are chemicals that are very persistent in the environment and they don’t break down and can accumulate over time. Additionally PFAS have been used and continue to be used in food packaging, household commercial items and the workplace.  The source of the detected PFAS at Chesapeake Beach is not known at this time and may be attributable to background conditions. Investigations of PFAS impacts to groundwater and surface water are ongoing at the Naval Research Laboratory Chesapeake Bay and as updates and work progresses MDE will continue to keep the community appraised of the findings and any additional recommendations." 

To view the testing report please click here. The results will also be posted at the Beach. The locations are also noted below: 

Testing

The Town will continue to provide updated information to the public.

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