Print
Share page with AddThis

Chilmark Board of Health Expands PFAS Testing Capacity Through another Laboratory Partnership

PFAS kits will be available for pick up next week
Posted on: December 12, 2025 - 6:06pm
f

The Chilmark Board of Health expanded PFAS testing options for residents, following a new arrangement made by Health Agent Anna McCaffrey with New England Chromachem Inc., a MassDEP-certified laboratory located in Salem, MA.

Until now, PFAS samples have been transported exclusively through Barnstable County Laboratory, which can accept only 20 samples every two weeks - a limit that no longer meets the growing demand from concerned Chilmark residents. Recognizing the need for increased testing capacity, McCaffrey, in addition to the standard PFAS testing conducted through Barnstable County Laboratory secured an agreement with New England Chromachem to transport and analyze up to 100 PFAS samples in a single batch. To ensure affordability, McCaffrey also requested that the Salem laboratory match Barnstable County’s reduced PFAS testing fee of $265 per sample (down from the standard $380). The lab’s director agreed, allowing Chilmark residents access to expanded testing without increased cost. 

As part of ongoing public health planning, the Board of Health is also developing a PFAS Results GIS Map to better understand the presence and distribution of PFAS throughout town. Participation is voluntary, and an authorization form is available for residents who wish to allow their results to be included.

PFAS Sample Drop-Off (Both Testing Options):

  • Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 7:30–8:30 a.m. - All samples must be collected the morning of December 18
  • Town Hall, Board of Health Office

Sample Kit Pickup:

  • Tuesday, December 16 & Wednesday, December 17, 2025
  • 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall, Small Conference room on the first floor 

  • Homeowners are responsible for all fees associated with testing.

Residents seeking more information may contact the Chilmark Board of Health at 508- 645-2105 or visit the Board’s News and Announcement section for updates.