Commission readies plans for permanent PFAS treatment; applies for state loan and considers $570,000 design proposal

Staff reviewed the utilities’ PFAS response history and funding strategy. PFOS (a PFAS compound) was first detected in South Side wells in 2022, prompting construction of temporary treatment units that restored service while regulators and funding programs evolved.

Staff said an engineering study recommended a permanent PFAS facility at the affected location. The commission applied for an $8 million Safe Drinking Water loan through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; SEH engineers now estimate the permanent facility would cost between $5 million and $7 million based on current scope. If Marshfield scores well in the competitive funding process, it could receive up to $3.5 million in principal forgiveness from the emerging contaminants program.

To be eligible for that forgiveness, staff said buildable plans must be ready by June 30. SEH has proposed about $570,000 to produce those plans. Staff emphasized the temporary trailer-mounted system remains effective but was not designed as a permanent installation and lacks some operational redundancies that a permanent plant would include.

Staff also reported legal considerations: a law firm advising the utilities cited a roughly six-year limitations period tied to tests taken in 2022 — meaning the commission has until about 2028 to consider litigation options. Staff cautioned that litigation often focuses on large manufacturers but may also examine possible local contributions, which could present difficult community implications.

Commissioners directed staff to continue moving the design and funding work forward and to monitor legislative and DNR developments.