The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Statewide PFAS Source Investigation Report, recently drafted, features a collaboration with former STEEP trainee, Matt Dunn (University of Rhode Island), around statewide PFAS source investigation, and how the data is being used to influence policy.

RI DEM worked with Dunn on the application of at various locations along the Pawcatuck River, which boasts an extensive history of textile finishing operations, from headwaters at Worden Pond, South Kingstown, draining to Westerly and Long Island Sound. Samples were also collected from the former wastewater stabilization ponds at Bradford Dye. According to the report, “This data was utilized in the promulgation of the Surface Water Action Limit and may be used in the future to help identify potential releases and responsible parties along the Pawcatuck River.”

The PFAS report was featured in a recent ecoRI news story.