The MP for St. John’s East says the federal government is exploring the possibility of addressing the contamination of well water at a number of Torbay properties with so-called “forever chemicals” with in-house water treatment systems.

Joanne Thompson says Transport Canada conducted some testing over the summer to determine the extent of the problem, and they’re now looking at solutions that could be in place sooner rather than later.

A number of property owners have filed a class action against Transport Canada for not going far enough to ensure that contamination from the nearby airport property did not leach into surrounding soil and ground water.

NTV meteorologist Eddie Sheerr is among them. His family has been drinking bottled water since being told their well is one of the ones contaminated by PFAS, which accumulates in the body and raises the risk of a number of cancers.

Thompson, who says the situation has been deemed urgent, expects quick action.

“So the consulting work, because it’s deemed urgent, we’re looking at weeks and not months,” says Thompson. “We are working quickly on trying to get a solution in place for them.”