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Service Authority reports PFAS sampling, DEQ consent order and plans to decommission Perkins Corner
Summary
Service Authority staff reported initial PFAS sampling, multiple permit exceedances tied to electrical/blower failures, and confirmed a DEQ consent order for Perkins Corner with decommissioning planned by Jan. 1, 2027; staff said they will present decommissioning PERs and reuse (purple pipe) options in 2025.
Service Authority staff and Bowdoin Environmental Services briefed the boards on the service authority's November operations and plans, including PFAS monitoring, permit exceedances, infrastructure needs and a DEQ consent order.
On the drinking-water side, staff said the authority has begun initial PFAS sampling in response to new EPA limits and testing protocols; the laboratory method limit mentioned in the briefing is 4 parts per trillion. "EPA has said no level is safe for chronic exposures," the presenter said, and the authority is collecting samples now to establish baseline levels.
On wastewater, Bowdoin described several equipment failures that contributed to a TKN exceedance at Oakland Park and noted multiple blower and mixer shutdowns across plants. Operators replaced pumps and repaired screens; staff said the maintenance team cleaned influent stations and will investigate recurring electrical shutdowns.
The service authority reported a consent order with DEQ for Perkins Corner signed Dec. 13, 2024, that sets strict requirements and includes decommissioning of the plant by Jan. 1, 2027. Staff said the PER (preliminary engineering report) for Oakland Park decommissioning and potential interconnection to Hopyard (including a purple-pipe industrial reuse option) remains in draft and will be brought to the board in 2025.
The authority also highlighted operational changes: billing returned in-house (estimated $250,000 annual savings), updated regulations, a FOG (fats, oils and grease) program and improved relations with DEQ. The board received DEQ notices of violation that staff said were already discussed and are being addressed.
The board requested continued reports on DEQ interactions, PFAS results once available and PER completion for Oakland Park and Perkins Corner decommissioning.
