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Allendale council outlines water‑system sale background and ongoing Well 17 dispute; public meeting set for June 3
Summary
Council members and the borough attorney summarized the 2018 referendum authorizing the water‑system sale, ongoing litigation over an easement and proposed treatment expansion at Well 17, and announced a June 3 public meeting to discuss PFAS treatment options and resident concerns.
Council members and the borough attorney used the May 8 meeting to summarize the borough’s long‑running water‑system process, the transfer of historic operation rights to the private operator, and an ongoing legal dispute about proposed treatment infrastructure at Well 17.
Councilwoman Homeman reviewed the borough’s multi‑year study of options, noted the 2018 referendum that authorized the sale of the public water system, and said the private operator (transcribed in the record as "Violia") is responsible for installing treatment to remove PFAS from affected wells. She told residents the borough and the operator are exploring alternatives intended to minimize disruption and comply with state regulations and announced a public meeting on June 3 for resident questions and technical updates.
Borough attorney Ray West clarified the legal posture: the borough transferred historical operation and related rights for Well 17 as part of the sale, and whether the operator may expand treatment infrastructure on a private easement is a dispute between the operator and the easement homeowner. West said the expansion question is primarily a legal matter between the operator and the property owner; the borough's role, he said, focuses on ensuring continued safe drinking water while seeking alternative technical solutions where possible.
Council members emphasized the borough’s goal of ensuring safe, compliant water service. One council member noted that affected wells currently use disinfection and corrosion control and that PFAS removal will require additional filtering vessels. Officials invited residents to the June 3 public meeting to review technical plans, hear expert input, and raise questions.
What’s next: The borough will host a public meeting on June 3 to present treatment options and to take resident input. The attorney said litigation and permitting questions may continue to proceed in parallel with technical discussions.
