PFAS chemicals has been found in a well that serves the Rutland Airport Business Park in Clarendon, affecting several businesses including the Vermont Country Store.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA and PFOS.
Walke said 10 wells were tested in and around the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport.
Vermont maintains one of the strictest limits for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water at 20 parts per trillion.
Levels close to that limit and slightly above it were found in two wells that serve a single water system.
The well with levels above 20 parts per trillion provides water to six businesses at the business park including the Vermont Country Store.
The affected businesses were notified and bottled water was provided for employees.
Rick Gile, president of the Rutland Airport Business Park Association, said all the affected tenants received notification of the state’s findings as well as information about health hazards through a flier that could be provided to all employees.
Gile said he believed most tenants were using water for cooling equipment or providing water to staff, but Vermont Country Store operates an on-site bakery.
Gile said he believed the state’s involvement in the contamination in North Bennington and Bennington allowed them to respond as quickly and efficiently as they had in Clarendon.