The Environmental Protection Agency says its new guidelines could help communities like Newburgh. The federal agency has announced it will try to stop contamination from PFAS chemicals.

Many Newburgh families have had to deal with the impact of PFAS in their water.

The contaminant, along with a similar contaminant called PFOS, had been found in city drinking water in 2016. New guidelines would expand PFAS monitoring and establish new limits for the chemicals.

State Senator James Skoufis says the federal government isn't moving fast enough. 

"The EPA guidelines are not even really guidelines yet. They are going to be requiring some testing that will then lead to some guidelines, and that's taking too long," Skoufis said.  

In a statement, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney says the agency is working on criteria, but would not implement safe drinking water levels for at least a year. 

"I appreciate the fact that the EPA is finally getting in the game on PFOS and PFOA cleanup criteria, but we need an enforceable drinking water standard to protect our communities right now. I urge the EPA to act quickly to protect people's health. I'm going to continue watching this process like a hawk," Maloney said. 

Spectrum News also reached out to the Newburgh City Mayor, but he says he cannot comment because of ongoing litigation. 

“I appreciate the fact that the EPA is finally getting in the game on PFOS and PFOA cleanup criteria, but we need an enforceable drinking water standard to protect our communities right now,” said Rep.Maloney. “I urge the EPA to act quickly to protect people’s health. I’m going to continue watching this process like a hawk.”  
“I appreciate the fact that the EPA is finally getting in the game on PFOS and PFOA cleanup criteria, but we need an enforceable drinking water standard to protect our communities right now,” said Rep.Maloney. “I urge the EPA to act quickly to protect people’s health. I’m going to continue watching this process like a hawk.”  
“I appreciate the fact that the EPA is finally getting in the game on PFOS and PFOA cleanup criteria, but we need an enforceable drinking water standard to protect our communities right now,” said Rep.Maloney. “I urge the EPA to act quickly to protect people’s health. I’m going to continue watching this process like a hawk.”  
“I appreciate the fact that the EPA is finally getting in the game on PFOS and PFOA cleanup criteria, but we need an enforceable drinking water standard to protect our communities right now,” said Rep.Maloney. “I urge the EPA to act quickly to protect people’s health. I’m going to continue watching this process like a hawk.”  
“I appreciate the fact that the EPA is finally getting in the game on PFOS and PFOA cleanup criteria, but we need an enforceable drinking water standard to protect our communities right now,” said Rep.Maloney. “I urge the EPA to act quickly to protect people’s health. I’m going to continue watching this process like a hawk.”