SCHUMER STATEMENT ON MEETING WITH DEFENSE SECRETARY JAMES MATTIS TO ACCELERATE PFOA & PFOS CLEANUP EFFORTS IN NEWBURGH

Senator Schumer Pressed for Commitment to Remediate Toxic PFOS Mess At Stewart ANGB And In Newburgh’s Water Supply  

“I told Secretary Mattis that the contamination of Newburgh’s water source, Washington Lake, and its surrounding waterways from Stewart Air National Guard Base must be addressed. It’s unconscionable that the Department of Defense is seeking to avoid responsibility for the toxic mess they made at Stewart Air National Guard Base, and ‎they have yet to implement any sort of interim remedial measure as contaminated water continues to flow off post and into drinking water sources. The DoD has tried to circumvent liability instead of honoring its responsibility to taxpayers and innocent families. My message to Secretary Mattis was clear:‎ the DoD must begin the process of containing the plume and most importantly, participate in the remediation of this toxic contamination. This is the DoD’s responsibility ?and it is unacceptable to place any financial burden of cleanup on taxpayers who are not in any way responsible for this toxic contamination of their drinking supply.” – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer

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