The Westport Conservation Department, in partnership with the Westport Library, Westport Shellfish Commission, and Sustainable Westport, invites residents and regional community members to attend an upcoming public program exploring the growing environmental and public health concerns surrounding PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

Forever Chemicals in Connecticut’s Coastal Waters: A Community Conversation on Pollution and Climate Change will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 p.m. at The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport. The event is free and open to the public.

The program will feature marine environmentalist Dick Harris, who will discuss how pollution and climate change are affecting Connecticut’s coastal ecosystems and Long Island Sound. The conversation will examine the persistence of PFAS chemicals in aquatic environments, their movement through waterways, and emerging challenges facing coastal communities.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products. Because they do not easily break down in the environment, they can accumulate in water, wildlife, and humans, raising increasing concern nationwide.

This community conversation aims to:

• Increase public understanding of PFAS contamination in coastal waters
• Explore connections between pollution and climate-related impacts
• Highlight regional environmental challenges affecting Connecticut shorelines
• Provide residents an opportunity to engage directly with experts and ask questions

The health of our rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters is closely tied to community awareness and engagement. Programs like this help residents better understand emerging environmental issues and how they relate to local water quality and climate resilience.

The event is part of ongoing community programming focused on environmental stewardship, science education, and climate awareness.

Registration is encouraged. Get full event details and free tickets at https://westportlibrary.org/event/forever-chemicals community-conversation-on-pollution-and-climate-change/ or by scanning the QR Code: