HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-E-02 PFAS Update
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Date: April 15, 2024
Item: PFAS Update
Council Action Requested:
Informational memo, no action requested at this time.
Background Information
Hastings has PFAS contamination all six of our municipal wells (specifically PFOA in all six
wells and PFOS in two wells) in In anticipation of required mitigation of the PFAS
contamination, the City has emphasized communication and transparency for the public.
Key Update
EPA Limits: Last year the EPA announced draft maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and
PFOS. The final MCL’s were released 4/10/2024 at 4 parts per trillion for both PFOA and PFOS.
This included five of the City’s six wells and the Hastings Veterans Home being over the new
MCL. According to the EPA, “Systems that detect PFAS above the new standards will have five
years to implement solutions that reduce PFAS in their drinking water.”
This starts the clock for the City to do two things:
1. Notify the public that PFAS in the drinking water exceeds the MCLs. This is
consistent with our long-standing emphasis on communication and transparency. We
immediately issued a press release; replied to multiple TV, newspaper, and radio
interviews; used social media; and mailed direct notice to water customers. Most
important, MDH and MPCA have committed to a public neighborhood meeting for
Hastings residents within a month. We are presently scheduling this meeting and will
publicize it as details are finalized.
2. Mitigate the PFAS within five years. This is a $68.9M project that would construct
three water treatment plants to remove PFAS and nitrates from municipal drinking water,
as well as connection of the Hastings Veterans Home to the City water system. The
project is currently being designed through a grant. Except for the money, this project is
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shovel ready to begin as soon as summer 2024. We are actively pursuing potential
funding opportunities.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable
Committee Discussion:
Not applicable
Attachments:
Not applicable
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