Public commenters told the Shaftesbury Select Board on Oct. 19 that increased traffic and a strong chlorine taste in town water have made walking and daily life unsafe; the board said it will request a new VTrans speed study, ask the sheriff for targeted patrols, and pursue fixes to speed signs and water governance.

The board reviewed a KAS Environmental quote showing a $48,865 nonrecurring cost plus $1,600 per-UV add-on and an estimated $21,960 annual recurring management cost to install and sample point-of-entry systems for six affected residences with PFAS above state/federal guidance.

Town staff reported that PFOA is being treated as an emerging contaminant, outlined planned state-led well testing across the town, and said the Bennington County Conservation District will offer soil and water testing; board encouraged outreach and public participation.