Washington Board of Selectmen
07/01/26
Present: First Selectman James L. Brinton, Selectmen Jay Hubelbank, and Dean Sarjeant.
The Board of Selectmen recently received new well test results from the capped town landfill showing some parameters exceeded standards, according to officials. Brinton said he had "concerns where certain parameters were exceeded," but environmental analysts told him the readings were expected.
A copy of the June 5, 2026, report prepared by GO Environmental, LLC, of Milford, CT, was provided to The Goshen News. Analyses of samples taken from 3 test wells installed in April concluded that, “The detected concentrations of 2-Butanone, Acetone, and Tetrahydrofuran at all three (3) locations exceed the Groundwater Protection Criteria (GWPC), Surface Water Protection Criteria (SWPC), and the Groundwater Volatilization Criteria (RES-VOL).”
“Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons were also detected at levels exceeding the GWPC and the
SWPC. Concentrations of Total Arsenic, Total Chromium, and Total Lead detected at
[one of the] test sites exceeded the GWPC and SWPC.”
While there are reportedly no drinking water wells on the property or within 500 feet on adjacent residential lots, the report concluded that, “The significantly elevated detections of VOCs, ETPH, and numerous Heavy Metals at concentrations well above regulatory criteria are indicators that the former landfill is impacting the surrounding area. The lateral limits of the former landfill’s impacts are not currently known. Further, bedrock groundwater data indicates that there may exist the potential for impacts to nearby private potable water wells, wetlands, and surface water streams.”
Certified mailers are being sent to eight neighboring properties requesting permission to test their private wells to determine whether the landfill had leached into groundwater.
“That’s going to be where the rubber hits the road,” Brinton said.
Selectmen also briefly discussed food truck oversight gaps after two trucks operated at a local event without proper health department approval. They also appointed two deputy fire marshals and an alternate Inland Wetlands Commissioner. In addition, the Board unanimously approved its annual resolution authorizing Brinton to execute agreements with the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to secure the town's $5,000 yearly grant. Hubelbank said the paperwork has grown increasingly burdensome.
Brinton also read aloud a retirement letter from Larry Cable, who has worked as the town mechanic for about 20 years. His last day is set for Sept. 4, according to officials. "That'll be a tricky position to fill," Brinton said.
