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City outlines $23M filtration estimate, $1M/yr operations to address PFAS in Hermiston water
Summary
Staff told council that initial Anderson Perry analysis estimates roughly $23 million in capital and about $1 million per year in operating costs to install filtration systems on multiple sources to reduce PFAS — a package that could raise system costs by about $2 million/year (≈40% of current water revenue).
City staff flagged PFAS (referred to in the meeting as "PAS") contamination in local sources and presented cost estimates and program options from Anderson Perry. The consultant's filtration‑first analysis produced an upfront capital estimate of about $23 million and indicated ongoing filter replacement and maintenance would add roughly $1 million per year in operating costs; combined capital debt service plus operations were presented as increasing annual system costs by roughly $2 million, about 40% of the system's current ~$6 million annual revenue.
Council members pressed staff on whether PFAS sources were local point sources or ubiquitous contamination; staff said PFAS is widespread and that the city’s airport firefighting foam is one identifiable contributor but not the sole source. Staff said filtration is a proven option but is expensive and asked Anderson Perry to analyze alternatives (source substitution, non‑potable irrigation alternatives, regional treatment, or ASR‑linked approaches) before the city commits to a capital program.
