New York holds Saint-Gobain Plastics and Honeywell International liable for contaminating water

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has held Saint-Gobain Plastics and Honeywell International liable for contaminating water with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in Hoosick Falls, a small village on the Vermont border.

The two firms are being held liable for undertaking the cleanup of the toxic chemical-contaminated water, which has seeped into ground as well.

Department of Environmental Conservation has already issued letters to New Jersey-headquartered Honeywell International and a unit of Paris-based group Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, ordering them to sign binding consent orders to fund Superfund cleanup, which was launched four weeks ago.

EPA notified residents of the New York village to stop consumption of municipal water last December.

A resident had notified the authorities about the contamination of the water system.

Later, the officials confirmed contamination levels following tests of the water systems.

Perfluorooctonaoic acid is used in several products such as nonstick and stain-resistant coatings.

New York state environmental commissioner Basil Seggos was quoted by The Washington Post as saying: "We will hold all companies responsible for groundwater contamination and make sure they pay all costs associated with the investigation and remediation of the source of the problem as well as assuring a usable drinking water source."

Saint-Gobain spokeswoman Dina Pokedoff told the publication that the company was notified about PFOA last December and it will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders.

Honeywell too assured the state officials of providing assistance and cooperation.