HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. -- New York state is looking to create a new forum in Hoosick Falls to discuss the progress of the PFOA cleanup. The proposed Hoosick area community participation work group would be a self-governing local group of residents, who provide the community a voice in the process.

"We've created some successful models like at the Onondaga Lake cleanup in Syracuse, and what we want to do is take those lessons that we've learned there and apply it here," said Sean Mahar, the assistant commissioner for public affairs for the Department of Enviromental Conservation.

This was one of the recommendations in the Technical Assistance Needs Assessment, which was presented Monday night at the town of Hoosick board meeting. According the Environmental Protection Agency, its purpose is to hear from the community on the superfund decision making process. 

"It's really an opportunity for us to get a better understanding of people's perspectives and to understand what their needs are," said Larisa Romanowski, the EPA's Region 2 public affairs specialist

Last summer, Saint Gobain performance plastics facility in Hoosick Falls was added to the EPA's superfund list. The company is blamed for the PFOA contamination in the village's water supply. 

The EPA says the assessment is common, which started last fall.

Catherine Dawson will be helping gather names of people who are interested in being part of this community group. She says having this forum will help get the word out on what's being done and what needs to be done.

"We as a community can come together and speak more freely without our officials there, maybe have them for guidance," Dawson said.

There will be a public comment period for this proposal. Once that wraps up, the state hopes to get the group up and running in about a month.

If would like to learn more about this assessment or the proposed community based group, another presentation will take place during the village board meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m.