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Biosolid application raises water safety questions in Bethlehem
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PFBA detected in reservoir, Bethlehem investigates biosolids use
By JOHN McINTYRE, MEREDITH SAVITT & MICHAEL HALLISEY
DELMAR — Town officials are investigating the use of biosolids on a farm field in New Scotland, approximately two-thirds of a mile from the Vly Creek Reservoir, following concerns about potential water contamination.
Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven announced that the town was informed of the biosolid application on Friday, Feb. 14, prompting immediate action to assess any risks to the town’s water supply.
“Water from both the New Salem Water Treatment Plant and the New Scotland Wellfield has been confirmed safe to drink and in compliance with all federal and state safety standards,” VanLuven said in a statement. “I have ordered additional testing to ensure the water continues to be safe.”
Biosolids were applied to farmland in New Scotland last spring, and contaminants later appeared in private wells less than a mile from the reservoir. The Albany County Department of Health was aware of the affected wells while also investigating a late-season algae bloom in the reservoir but did not notify Bethlehem officials.
VanLuven said the town has contacted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for details on the biosolids used, including their source, duration of application, and any existing test results. Additionally, the town is working to determine if biosolids are being applied elsewhere within the watershed that feeds the reservoir.
It is unclear whether the biosolid application and algae bloom are connected or if they contributed to foul-smelling tap water reported by many Bethlehem residents. However, experts have linked biosolids with perfluoroalkyl substances, which appeared in raw water drawn from the reservoir last August.
Perfluorobutanoic acid, a PFAS chemical commonly associated with industrial waste and biosolids, was detected below regulatory limits. Its presence has raised concerns about potential long-term contamination and the cumulative impact of biosolid applications near drinking water sources.
Bethlehem officials have also reached out to the Albany County Department of Health to obtain more information on past water testing near the farm site and to clarify why the town was not alerted earlier. The town is requesting further details on what was detected in those wells and whether the site posed a risk to the reservoir.
The town plans to partner with New Scotland to conduct additional testing of private wells located between the farm field and the reservoir to determine whether any contaminants have migrated underground. Additionally, town officials will review zoning codes to determine whether biosolid use is permitted in agricultural operations and to ensure protections for private well users.
VanLuven also emphasized the need for better communication between municipalities regarding potential environmental risks, proposing a mechanism to facilitate the prompt sharing of information about incidents that could affect Bethlehem’s water supply.
“Communication between municipalities is key to the successful delivery of many municipal services, including drinking water,” he said.
Bethlehem officials say they will continue monitoring water quality data and will push for transparency from state and county agencies regarding the potential impacts of biosolid use near drinking water sources.
This is the fourth of a multi-part series after a two-month Spotlight News investigation into drinking water contamination in the area. The next part looks into the County’s response.
