Loveland council approves application for Ohio EPA principal forgiveness for emerging-contaminant treatment

The Loveland City Council voted 7-0 to authorize submission of an application to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency seeking principal forgiveness funding through the state’s Water Supply Revolving Loan Account for design and treatment of emerging contaminants, including PFAS.

Assistant City Manager Chris Winich told council staff previously completed a general plan (by Burgess & Niple) that is under Ohio EPA review and that the city is nominating the design for principal forgiveness in the current application round. Winich said the city can apply for up to $2 million and intends to request the full amount to cover design; AECOM’s proposal for design work is just under $2 million. Staff recommended using granular activated carbon as the treatment technology and adding the facility improvements at the Betty Ray treatment facility to accommodate the equipment.

Winich told council the U.S. EPA originally set an implementation milestone (referenced in the packet) but that Ohio EPA has not yet implemented a corresponding state rule; he said the federal timetable was under discussion and that the federal deadline could be extended from 2029 to 2031. Council asked whether Ohio EPA plan approval is a condition for receiving funds; Winich said state approval of the general plan is required before the city will receive the design funding.

Council adopted the resolution authorizing the city manager to apply for funding through the Ohio EPA Water Supply Revolving Loan Account with principal forgiveness in the program year noted in the packet, 7 to 0.