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Millis approves lead-and-copper compliance work, granular activated carbon contract as town readies PFAS cleanup
Summary
Select Board approved a three‑year lead-and-copper compliance contract with Kleinfelder and a three‑year granular activated carbon (GAC) replacement services contract with Calgon Carbon Corp.; officials said PFAS settlement funds will help offset future water-treatment costs.
The Town of Millis on June 9 approved two water‑system contracts as the town continues to address lead/copper testing requirements and PFAS contamination.
The board voted to enter a three‑year contract with Kleinfelder Northeast Inc. for Lead and Copper Rule compliance assistance, phase 2, for an amount not to exceed $187,000. The Department of Public Works director told the board the work follows state-mandated testing and reporting steps and stems from a previously approved appropriation (Article 10, May 7, 2024 annual town meeting).
"This is another one of the state's unfunded mandates," the DPW director said, adding that the contractor has already completed earlier phases and filed required applications. He said homeowners were asked previously to document their meters and that follow‑up letters and direct outreach will be necessary to complete the required inventory and sampling.
The board also approved a three‑year contract for granular activated carbon replacement services with Calgon Carbon Corporation (Moon Township, Pa.) for an amount not to exceed $195,400. The DPW director explained the contract covers replacement of the media used in the PFAS treatment canisters at the town's three wells and described an operating approach that avoids prolonged shutdowns by staging media changes.
Town officials said Millis has already received part of a multi‑party class‑action settlement with PFAS manufacturers. A board member reported the town received "a little over $300,000" as an initial settlement payment; officials expect additional payments in the future and said those funds are intended to help offset treatment costs for ratepayers.
Why it matters: The lead‑and‑copper work is compliance driven and documents whether service lines or plumbing contain lead. The GAC contract and PFAS settlement are directly tied to ensuring treated drinking water meets regulatory standards and to budgeting for continuing filtration costs.
What the board voted: Motions to approve both the Kleinfelder and Calgon Carbon contracts passed unanimously.
Next steps: DPW will proceed with the Kleinfelder scope and schedule GAC replacement work; staff said they are coordinating payment timing with the finance director and monitoring settlement receipts that may offset treatment costs.
