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South Gate officials outline PFAS treatment plan, estimate $7–8 million and probe potential Boy Scout site impacts
Summary
Council and staff discussed PFAS contamination monitoring and a proposed treatment plant near South Gate Park; staff estimated the project could cost $7–8 million and noted design discussions with Boy Scouts about the location and potential facility improvements.
City staff told the South Gate City Council on Aug. 12 that PFAS contamination in local drinking water has triggered planning for a treatment plant, and the city is pursuing funding for construction.
City Manager Rob Houston said the city has been testing drinking water for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and that levels have risen in Southern California. "We are actively pursuing and designing a PFAS treatment plant, which will go in near Southgate Park," Houston said, estimating a cost in the range of $7 million to $8 million.
Houston said the city has set aside funds and is seeking grants to cover construction and described the treatment plant as a necessary infrastructure project before levels approach concentrations that would require broader public-health action. "We will have a fix in place before anything approaches anywhere close to something that would be dangerous," he said.
Staff also reported a meeting with local Boy Scout leaders about the plant location because a possible siting near the north part of the Boy Scout Hut property could create opportunities to coordinate infrastructure improvements. Houston said scouts have aging facilities with wiring and roof issues, and the city is exploring whether project design could accommodate modest facility improvements or replacements.
Councilmembers discussed legislative support for PFAS funding and asked legal staff to clarify conflict-of-interest rules if councilmembers live near a proposed project. City Attorney Salinas noted that FPPC rules require recusal for decisions that lie within 500 feet of a councilmember's property when the decision could affect property value.
Ending: City staff said they will continue design work, pursue grant funding and coordinate with the Boy Scouts on outreach; no construction timeline was finalized beyond continuing design and funding-seeking work.
