Hampden approves $29,298.52 in stormwater reimbursements; town gets PFAS well-testing update

HAMPDEN — The Hampden Town Council on July 6 authorized reimbursement of $29,298.52 for eligible stormwater-management expenditures for fiscal year 2026 and received an update on the town's well-testing program for PFAS.

A councilor moved to authorize the reimbursement; the council approved the motion by roll call. The town manager summarized a trustees meeting that reviewed expenditures and financials and noted Drumlin Associates and Casella provided material used in the trustees' review. She said the trustees approved a well-testing program and that the town had paid to test 45 wells to date, with about 15 results still outstanding.

The town manager said legal counsel advised care around identifying individual well owners, so staff requested an aggregate report from the lab; she also confirmed that one well owner had reported a PFAS detection and that staff had given residents information on next steps, including DEP contact information and water-filter options.

A councilor noted that approving the reimbursement will in effect close out FY26 for this line item while other trailing expenses could come in later. The town manager reported the environmental trust still has more than $53,000 available to cover similar expenses; the motion passed 7-0.