Decatur Utilities approves $1.1M pilot study for PFAS treatment with Jacobs Engineering

In a recent Decatur City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the proactive measures taken by Decatur Utilities (DU) to address emerging water quality standards, particularly concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The council approved a resolution for a $1,132,000 expenditure for a professional services agreement with Jacobs Engineering to conduct a full-scale on-site pilot study at the city's raw water treatment plant. This initiative is part of DU's ongoing commitment to ensure compliance with new federal regulations announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding PFAS compounds.

The background provided by Tom Cleveland, the water resource manager for Decatur Utilities, highlighted that in April 2024, the EPA established national primary drinking water standards for several PFAS compounds, significantly lowering the acceptable levels from a previous public health advisory of 70 parts per trillion to a regulatory limit of just 4 parts per trillion. In anticipation of these changes, DU had already undertaken a phase 1 PFAS treatability study in 2023, which evaluated various treatment technologies and cost $360,000.

The newly approved phase 2 study is expected to take 15 to 18 months and will utilize findings from the initial study to determine the best treatment technology for future compliance. Notably, the funding for this project will come from a $1,500,000 loan from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which is entirely principal-forgiven, meaning it will not affect water rates for customers and will allow DU to recover costs from the initial study.

Additionally, the council discussed a resolution to authorize the general manager of Decatur Utilities to file an application for this loan, reinforcing the city's commitment to maintaining high water quality standards. The meeting also touched on a natural gas contract with Northwest Gas, indicating ongoing efforts to manage utility services effectively.

Overall, the council's actions reflect a proactive approach to environmental health and regulatory compliance, ensuring that Decatur's water supply remains safe and reliable for its residents. As the city moves forward with these initiatives, the implications for public health and environmental stewardship will be closely monitored.