City gives PFAS treatment update
City of Calhoun officials presented an update on the Water Department’s efforts to remove per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the water supply.
Sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” officials have been working to comply with future regulations on PFAS, with the city government currently both a defendant and a plaintiff in ongoing multimillion dollar litigation concerning the chemicals in the water supply.
Since details of PFAS litigation was first reported city utilities officials say their department has been overwhelmed with phone calls and emails related to the matter.
“We have been working diligently to return each and every call,” Water
and Wastewater Director Erik Henson said, adding that current PFAS information, as well as future updates will be available on the city’s website at cityofcalhoun-ga/ pfas online, as well as the Calhoun Utilities Facebook page.
Utilities officials continue to work to install a fourth carbon filter for its Brittany Drive Water Treatment Plant — a facility that mostly serves citizens east of Interstate 75.
“We have ordered carbon for the fourth filter, and Calgon Carbon has provided a preliminary install date for the first week of April,” Henson said.
Following the install, officials will collect samples for analysis and submitted for expedited results.
“Once we have received results near nondetectable for PFAS, we will provide drinking water free of charge from a connection found near the entrance to our Brittany Drive Water Treatment Plant,”
CITY,
Henson said. “This connection will be identified by a nearby sign.”
The city is also in the process of conducting three pilot studies with engineers at the Mauldin Road Water Treatment Plant — a facility that largely serves citizens west of the interstate.
“Two pilots are currently in operation, with the other one expected to start up this week,” Henson said. “Our consulting engineers have begun the evaluation of installing granular activated carbon in the existing filter beds.”
Officials estimate the first four GAC filters have a delivery date of the first week of April.
Henson said PFAS levels can fluctuate due to environmental changes, with January test results showing the two most studied compounds (PFOA and PFOS) reporting the following:
Brittany Drive WTP — PFOA (7.9 parts per trillion), PFOS (8.4 ppt)
Mauldin Road WTP — PFOA (21 ppt), PFOS (14 ppt)
Henson said the city is currently in full compliance with state and federal regulations, even as it works to comply with future regulations.
“To date, neither of the water or wastewater treatment plants have been in violation of any state or federal regulation concerning PFAS,” Henson said. “Last week, Calhoun Utilities was notified that all three of our treatment plants received the Georgia Association of Water Professionals’ Gold Award for being in full compliance for the previous calendar year.”
The city says PFAS has been labeled as an “emerging contaminant” by the Environmental Protection Agency, and is not yet regulated by the federal government.
“While many communities have not yet tested for PFAS, more and more are discovering that PFAS contamination is not just an isolated event,” Henson said. “Due to the large consumer demand, manufacturers have produced PFAS for thousands of products for the last several decades. Until the importation and manufacturing of PFAS is federally banned, the city will be forced to filter and dispose of a contaminant that Calhoun has never profited from.”
Henson also said the city does not currently land apply biosolid waste from its plants, and has always been in complete compliance with all state and federal regulations in that process as well.
Officials say any questions or concerns related to land application of biosolids and permit compliance should be directed to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division by phone at 770-387-4900, or askEPD@GAEPD.org by email.
Several concerned citizens once again turned out to voice concerns about PFAS and to ask questions of city officials with the majority of Monday night’s meeting taken up by exchanges on the topic.
Officials said the PFAS discussion will continue going forward, with updates becoming a regular part of council meetings into the foreseeable future.
In other business, the council approved an ordinance to “amend, strike or change” certain sections of Part II — Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6: Alcoholic Beverages) to establish Article VII: Licensing for Limited Service and Consumption of Wine or Malt Beverages on Premises of Licensee.
Also approved was a Beer, Wine, and Liquor Pouring License transfer request from 201 S. Wall St., to 106 N. Wall St., with Brittney Bullock serving as manager. Public hearings concerning both alcohol-related items drew no comment.
A request from CalhounGordon County Airport Authority was approved to re-appoint Tommy Palmer for a three-year term ending June 30, 2027.
Finally, a parade request from Calhoun High School was approved for a traditional Homecoming Parade route through downtown Calhoun Thursday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m. with a rain delay date of Friday, Oct. 11, at 3:30 p.m. subject to Georgia Department of Transportation approval.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the council is set for Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m., at the Depot, 109 S. King St. All meetings are open to the public.