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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-08 UC MIN(499ateir THE NIATNYLALE Of MINN EIOTA UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING February 8, 2024 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Chairman Speedling, Commissioners Hutter, Whitcomb, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioner Hudak Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of January 11. 2024 meeting Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Whitcomb, to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2024 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS PFAS Communication Plan - TKDA Public Works Director Sanders explained that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a Health Risk Advisory for Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at Well #6 (Fourth Street). The well has been turned off. MDH recommends that the City notify citizens about PFAS in the drinking water supply. Staff is working with TKDA to establish a PFAS communication plan for the City. Dan Nesler, TKDA Water/Wastewater Group Manager, stated that currently, there is no federal standard for PFAS; it will likely be established in a couple years. Instead, there is health -based guidance - not a requirement for particular action, but a strong recommendation. Some of the next steps will be to study short and long term options for addressing the issue. Chairman Speedling asked, is the plume growing and in which direction? Mr. Nesler replied it is not considered a plume; there is nothing in this area identified as the source. PFAS have been used in many household items for many years and are starting to percolate down into the groundwater in many communities. Commissioner Hutter asked if the health -based guidance is more conservative than the requirements expected to come from the EPA; and Mr. Nesler answered currently, the proposed federal EPA rule is less stringent that Minnesota's health -based guidance. He reviewed roles and responsibilities of the various entities involved, the subcategories of PFAS, current health -based guidance, and the range of what has been seen in wells in Stillwater for the various subcategories. Matt Ellingson, TKDA engineer, reviewed the enforceable standard for the maximum containment level (MCL), adding that Stillwater is not there yet, but a couple years away. The limits might change as the federal rule moves through the process. There is a cumulative effect on health if several of the PFAS are present in excess, per studies done over the years on long term exposures and cancer risk. Mr. Nesler went on to explain that the purpose of the communication effort is to position the City as the preferred source of information regarding drinking water, to prevent misinformation, help Utilities Commission Meeting February 8, 2024 community members understand the risks and have an active voice in managing that risk. He reviewed the key messages, including the fact that Well #6 would only be used for fire fighting at this point. There is grant funding available to lessen the communication burden on the City. The goal is to present information on the City web site late in February with monthly updates thereafter. Mr. Ellingson added that TKDA will assist with the technical information, put the web information together, provide graphics, and so on. Councilmember Polehna pointed out that citizens of other communities have received charcoal filtration systems in past years - who paid for them? Mr. Ellingson responded that will be a good talking point, to explain why citizens in some communities got systems while Stillwater residents do not. Woodbury and Lake Elmo were part of the 3M settlement which involved a traceable plume. PFAS are ubiquitous, they are everywhere so funding for individual filtration systems is not available at this point. If legislators hear from residents, it may have an impact. Also, there is a nationwide class action settlement between 3M and Dupont that is still going through the legal system, which may be another funding source. The communication plan will let residents know that the City and TKDA are working identifying potential funding. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE W.Iter "tower tluc11-11 Mr. Ellingson provided an update on the painting of the water tower on Tower Drive this summer. The entire tower will be sandblasted and painted outside and inside. Bids will be sought in March; the timeframe is 12-16 weeks. The Stillwater logo will be incorporated at the direction of the City Council. Lead Service Survey Mr. Ellingson stated that the MN Dept of Health is requiring a City-wide inventory of every service line, and TKDA is assisting with this project and helping apply for grant funding. utility Protect L4 datc Mr. Sanders provided a list of projects completed in 2023 and projects slated for 2024. Met Council 1/1 Grant Mr. Sanders said the City received a $59,000 grant for inflow and infiltration work. Monthly Gallons Pumaned Mr. Sanders reported the monthly gallons pumped: 39,803 gallons. COMMISSIONER ITEMS There were no Commissioner items. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Speedling, seconded by Commissioner Hutter, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 a.m. The next meeting date is March 024. Steve Speedling, Cha r Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director Page 2 of 2