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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-13 UC MINj 1 water THE SIRTNRLACE Of MINNESOTA UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING June 13, 2024 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Commissioners Hudak, Hutter, Whitcomb, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Chairman Speedling Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of April 11. 2024 meeting Motion by Commissioner Hudak, seconded by Commissioner Hutter, to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2024 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Update on PFAS Public Works Director Sanders stated that Wells 6 and 10 exceed the new EPA standards for PFAS and Well 9 is close to the limits. The EPA has given the City until 2029 to get those wells up to the standards. The City voluntarily took Wells 6 and 10 out of service last spring. Well 9 only becomes active in summer when irrigation demand is high. TKDA is studying the following options, under a $100,000 grant from the MPA: interconnections, point of use filter systems, blending with existing wells, drilling new wells, and granular activated water treatment. Interconnection with Oak Park Heights was eliminated because OPH fluoridates but does not chlorinate their water. Interconnection with the Minnesota Correctional Facility was eliminated due to the distance. Whole home or point of use filters would not solve the problem because it would not treat the water at the source, plus it would be up to the property owner to change the filter. The option of blending was eliminated because the wells are so far apart. Drilling new wells was eliminated because of the presence of contamination in existing wells using the Jordan aquifer, the Mount Simon aquifer is protected by State law, and there is no other alternative. Leaving Wells 6 and 10 off would be acceptable, but if another well were to go down it could cause problems providing safe drinking water. The planned painting of the water tower this year has been put on hold to avoid any issue with pressure or supply throughout the City. The City would like to keep Well 9 available as an option, as it is still below the EPA threshold. Commissioner Hudak voiced concern that limits may be lowered again in the future. Commissioner Whitcomb asked if a centralized filtration system has been considered, and Mr. Sanders replied that could be studied. Currently the City is looking at short term solutions to get those wells back in service. The next option, GAC or granular activated carbon, is the best available technology, approved by both the Department of Health and EPA. It requires pressure vessels or gravity filters. For the City's wells, a 2800 square feet, 30-40 feet tall building would be required. It would need to be close to a sanitary sewer system to drain the pre-treated water into the sanitary sewer system. The carbon needs to be changed out over time, is considered hazardous and has to be Utilities Commission Meeting June 13, 2024 taken to a regulated site to be treated. Per TKDA, Well 6 would cost $9 million to treat, Well 9 would cost $8.8 million, and Well 10 would cost $12.2 million so the estimated cost for all three wells is about $30 million. Commissioner Hudak remarked that coal mines are waning in the US, and in 30-40 years, coal could be outrageously expensive and this would be a concern. Mr. Sanders continued that staff and TKDA agrees GAC is best option, so the City has applied for grants and is working with senators and representatives for funding. Staff will continue to provide updates in City newsletters and the website. Water Efficiency Rebate Update Mr. Sanders reported on the Met Council grant for property owners to get rebates on washing machines, toilets and smart controllers. Through seven quarters, the City has reimbursed 240 property owners $33,000 and there are already 40 applications for next quarter. The City has received $28,000 for 2024-2026. 1&I Grant Program Mr. Sanders reported that the City got $59,000 from the Metropolitan Council to reduce inflow and infiltration into the sanitary sewer system. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Monthly Primping Mr. Sanders reported the monthly gallons pumped: 59,039 million. COMMISSIONER ITEMS Mr. Benson noted there was a watermain break and valve break recently. There were no Commissioner items. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Hudak, seconded by Commissioner Whitcomb, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 a.m. The next meeting date i ly 11, 024. ATTEST: C,v ► F) 5 iJ A,-t k , V I Le C kcui r Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director Page 2 of 2