Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drinking Water Pfas topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dunedin authorizes PFAS testing and to file Phase 2 claim in national settlement
Summary
The commission approved Resolution 25-33 authorizing baseline testing of raw water wells and submission of a Phase 2 claim in the PFAS multidistrict litigation; staff said initial testing costs are expected to be under $20,000 and that testing reimbursement is part of the settlement process.
The commission authorized the city on Dec. 4 to submit the Phase 2 application required to participate in class-action settlements with manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foams (PFAS) and to conduct baseline testing of raw water supply wells.
Clayton Watkins, utilities engineer, said the Phase 2 claim will allow the city to pursue settlement proceeds if testing shows PFAS in source water; the initial application and testing will establish a baseline. City staff and legal counsel said the settlement framework provides for reimbursement of testing costs and eventual allocation formulas based on measured concentrations and flow volumes. Nan (staff) estimated baseline testing costs at up to about $20,000 and said many Phase 1 utilities that already documented PFAS have begun receiving disbursements.
City attorneys stressed the city is not joining litigation as a plaintiff in the sense of hiring outside counsel for direct litigation but is filing a claim to participate in predefined settlement processes in the MDL. Commissioners authorized the action unanimously and asked staff to proceed with testing and any follow-up required to document damages or eligible expenses if PFAS is found.
Staff noted Dunedin’s treatment processes (reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon) reduce PFAS concentrations in finished water; the immediate objective is to assess source concentrations and pursue any eligible remedy in the settlement.
