02:13A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation on the PFAS health study conducted by the Silent Spring Institute, in collaboration with PACE (People of Ayer Concerned about the Environment). Dr. Laurel Shader, representing the Silent Spring Institute, shared key findings from the national study, which included Ayer as one of only seven selected sites. The study, funded by the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, focused on assessing how PFAS exposure affects health across different states, including Massachusetts.

14:55Dr. Shader highlighted that PFAS were present in all study participants, with the local population showing elevated levels of certain chemicals, such as PFHXS, historically linked to firefighting foams. These elevated levels persisted even after water treatment began, due to PFHXS’s tendency to remain in the body longer than other PFAS. The study’s comprehensive approach involved nearly 300 adults and 48 children in Ayer, who provided biological samples and completed detailed questionnaires about their water consumption habits.

27:40Community engagement played a role in the study’s success. Local organizations, including the school district, facilitated outreach efforts that led to higher awareness and participation rates in Ayer compared to other communities. This collaboration was key in addressing community concerns about environmental health risks related to chemical exposure in drinking water. The presentation also included discussions on the potential rollback of federal drinking water standards and the exclusion of PFAS from the Superfund law, highlighting ongoing advocacy efforts with state legislators to bolster regulations for public health and safety.

32:18The meeting also addressed the appointment of Rachel Freedellander as the new economic development director for Ayer. The town manager introduced Freedellander, detailing the rigorous recruitment process that led to her selection. Freedellander’s qualifications, including her experience in securing Community Development Block Grant funding and her educational background from Berkeley and Brown University, were highlighted as significant assets for the role.

37:53Freedellander expressed her commitment to community engagement and strategic grant writing, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right funding opportunities amid a shrinking grant landscape. Her appointment was unanimously ratified by the board members present.

40:07In other business, the town manager provided updates on administrative matters, including a successful town meeting where all articles, including the budget, passed. The announcement of a shared energy manager position for Ayer and neighboring towns, funded by a grant for three years, was noted as a positive development for addressing local energy issues, particularly in schools.