Whitelaw board hears PFAS in wastewater sludge; utility committee recommends pump purchase and consultant review

At its June 1, 2026 meeting, the Village of Whitelaw Board heard from utility staff that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in sludge hauled from the village wastewater system on May 15, though PFAS were not detected in discharge water.

Jerry, a public works staff member, said the committee has eliminated one incoming hauled-waste source and confirmed remaining haulers are providing domestic-only waste. "Jerry believes the source is external, not from village residents," the committee reported. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has agreed to pay for one retest of the sludge sample.

The board discussed potential disposal consequences if PFAS levels cannot be reduced. The Utility Committee cautioned that continued detection could force the village to dewater sludge into "pucks," an alternative that would add substantial expense to disposal. The committee plans to consult Donahue & Associates, which is assisting nearby Cleveland with similar PFAS issues, to identify mitigation options and next steps.

The committee also recommended purchasing a new Flight pump at a cost of $10,338.20 and selecting a preventative maintenance option priced at $1,700 per year for four existing pumps. Committee members said the expense falls under the utility equipment depreciation budget and therefore requires no separate Board vote. The board did not record a formal vote in the minutes on the purchase recommendation, which will be placed on next month's agenda for approval.

Utility staff reported operational coverage for June 11–14 while Jerry is absent, with Phil (public works staff) prepared to cover operations. Staff also summarized sprinkler-forgiveness forms (40 sprinkler, 5 pool forms) that yield a 10% sewer-only reduction for qualifying properties for June–August; forms were not accepted after a May 31 deadline.

Board members were also advised that disconnect notices for unpaid water bills will be sent June 3–4, with a shutoff date of June 15. Two properties were shut off last month, paid reconnection fees, and are current; the reconnection fee is $30, which the board noted is the PSC maximum. Phil reported roughly 10 residents paid only after in-person notification.

The board asked staff to pursue the retest and consultant review, and to report back with results and cost estimates for any required sludge handling changes.