Mount Airy council hears resident concerns about PFAS; mayor outlines remediation grants and next steps

A Mount Airy resident asked the town council on Sept. 8 for a public update on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in local water supplies, and Mayor Bryan Hushauer outlined ongoing remediation steps, grant funding and a request from state regulators.

Resident Mike Adrianson said he received a letter months earlier about PFAS in the water and asked whether the town was pursuing remediation funding from companies named in lawsuits, whether it planned a new well or point-of-use treatment for households, and when the public would receive follow-up information.

Mayor Hushauer responded during the meeting’s public-comment period that town staff and the town engineer are executing a long-range remediation plan. He said Mount Airy received a forgivable loan or grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that will fund remediation at four pumping stations that require it, and that the MDE has asked the town to extend municipal water service to the Twin Arch Mobile Home Park to address unacceptable PFAS levels there.

Hushauer said staff and the town’s consultant have submitted site plans and construction drawings to the county and were awaiting county review. He said town staff and the town attorney are working with bond counsel about funding the initial remediation and construction work.

The mayor told the meeting the town sent a letter asking the county for priority review of permits for PFAS work. He also said the town received payments from a class-action settlement: $151,000 in May 2025 and $347,000 in August 2025, and that the Water and Sewer Commission was preparing another mailing to residents in December to update them on progress.

Why it matters: PFAS are long-lived chemicals linked in some studies to health risks; local remediation and the decision to extend municipal water service have direct cost and public-health implications for nearby residents.

What council members and staff said: The mayor framed the remediation as a multi-step, multi-agency effort that includes state funding, local engineering and permits. During the meeting the mayor emphasized the town’s coordination with MDE and the Water and Sewer Commission and said residents would receive additional written updates.

What remains open: Residents asked whether the town will pursue additional funds from responsible parties (for example companies named in national litigation) and whether households will be offered point-of-use systems; the mayor said staff were working with bond counsel on funding and that additional details would be included in the December mailing from the Water and Sewer Commission.

Evidence from the meeting: Resident Mike Adrianson raised the issue during public comments and Mayor Hushauer provided the town update on PFAS grants, permitting and the MDE request to extend service to Twin Arch Mobile Home Park.

Next steps: Town staff and consultants will continue permitting work with the county, the Water and Sewer Commission will finalize a resident mailing for December, and mayor and staff said they will continue to pursue funding and remediation steps with state partners and counsel.