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Addressing PFAS in Groundwater
In the mid-2000s, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found to have contaminated drinking water supplies in parts of the eastern Twin Cities, including in Woodbury’s groundwater supply. Research has been conducted to identify the source and level of contamination. Most of the contamination has been traced to four former disposal sites in Woodbury and surrounding communities as a result of biproducts from a 3M manufacturing facility.
In 2010, Minnesota’s attorney general sued 3M for accountability and funding to address the PFAS issues. On Feb. 20, 2018, the State of Minnesota settled a lawsuit against 3M in return for a settlement of $850 million. The City of Woodbury continues to advocate for allocation of this funding along with seeking other funding sources.
With nine of the city’s 19 wells contaminated with PFAS levels exceeding the health risk standards, the City of Woodbury has been working with state agencies to fund both short-term and long-term drinking water system improvements.
Immediate Treatment of PFAS
The city designed, built, and is operating a temporary Water Treatment Facility to address current PFAS regulatory standards and to help bridge the water production gap until the new, permanent water treatment plant is designed and constructed over the next three to four years. Learn more about the temporary and permanent solutions on the Water Treatment page.
The water delivered to customers continues to meet all state water quality standards and guidelines for PFAS.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Health's website for more information.
Item | Activity | Timeframe |
---|---|---|
3M Settlement & Advocacy | City staff continues to advocate on behalf of the city to maximize treatment and funding from the 3M settlement. | 2017-Present |
Nine Wells Removed from Service | Nine wells exceeding MDH health index levels for PFAS were removed from service | 2017 |
Drinking Water Master Plan | Development of specific PFAS mitigation strategies for water supply and determination of long-term groundwater supply and treatment strategies through 2050. | 2019-2020 |
Declaration of Emergency | The declaration of a local state of emergency freed up resources and provided the city opportunities to fast-track design/construction processes. | Jan. 8, 2020 |
Temporary Water Treatment Plant | Design and construction of a GAC technology treatment plant to treat four wells. Learn more. | 2020 |
Purchase of Land | Purchased a parcel of land south of Hargis Parkway and east of Radio Drive for the future construction of the Woodbury Water Treatment Plant. | August 2021 |
Expansion of Temporary Plant | Expansion of the temporary water treatment plant to treat two additional wells. | 2022 |
Preliminary Engineering Report | Analysis and development of details for the future water system including conceptual water treatment plant layout and treatment selection, pipeline analysis and alignment, non-treatment infrastructure needs, critical path items, and matrix of all project. | 2022 |
Relocation of Existing House on Woodbury Water Treatment Plant Site | Watch Video | August 2022 |
PFAS, like other emerging contaminants, are the focus of active research and study, which means that new information is released frequently. The more that is learned about the chemicals the more specific and clear regulations will be developed. Currently, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has set health-based values, health risk levels, and utilizes a health index calculation to provide a protection level for specific PFAS and groups of PFAS where specific levels have yet to be established.
- What is PFAS and how did it get in the water?
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PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The 3M Company made PFAS at its Cottage Grove facility beginning in the 1940s. They were commonly used in household and industrial products such as stain repellents, lubricants, fire retardants and suppressants, and more. PFAS wastes were disposed of at various locations in Washington County. The source of PFAS in Woodbury's groundwater has been identified as these disposal sites.
- Can I drink the water?
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Yes, the water the city delivers to customers meets all State of Minnesota standards and guidelines for PFAS.
- I have a private well. How do I know if I am impacted by PFAS?
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Private wells are the responsibility of private landowners. Private landowners should consider having their well tested.
Complete the Private Drinking Water Well Sampling Request Form on the with MDH.
- How many Woodbury municipal wells exceed PFAS water quality standards and guidelines?
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Nine of the city's 19 wells currently exceed PFAS water quality standards and guidelines.
The temporary water treatment facility, located near the intersection of Valley Creek Road and Tower Drive, is currently treating water from four of these wells to meet water quality standards and guidelines for PFAS. The remaining five wells have been removed from service.
- Which well is serving my home?
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The City of Woodbury has a one-pressure-zone system. This means no one particular well serves a specific area. The water is distributed throughout the system and well usage is rotated frequently as part of regular operation.
- How much will the temporary treatment plant cost and how will the project be funded?
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Funding for the Woodbury temporary water treatment plant is provided through the 2018 settlement agreement between the State of Minnesota and 3M. This arrangement includes a $40 million provision for temporary facilities meeting the requirements of the 2007 settlement agreement between the same two parties. Total cost for construction of the temporary treatment plant was approximately $10.5 million.
Operation and maintenance costs are also covered under the $40 million provision. At this time it is projected to cost an average of approximately $600,000-$800,000 a year for operation and maintenance.
- What type of private, at-home treatment options are available?
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There is information on the MDH regarding the effectiveness of home treatment options.
- Why was the temporary treatment plant constructed near Valley Creek Road and Tower Drive?
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This is the most viable location. The property had been identified as a potential location for a water treatment facility for decades and is in close proximity to the three impacted wells that will be treated. A fourth impacted well also will be connected to the facility with a new water main. State funding for the project is predicated on the facility located on this property.
- Will the construction of the temporary water treatment plant impact the nearby Tamarack Nature Preserve?
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There is no anticipated impact on the preserve. Staff is working with several agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Ramsey-Washington Watershed District, to ensure the natural areas surrounding the temporary water treatment facility are appropriately protected.
- I didn't know PFAS was in the water or that a temporary water treatment plant was under consideration. Where can I learn more?
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The city has been sharing updates about PFAS in the water since 2007 in the City Update newsletter, on the city's website, via its InTouch email notification system*, on its YouTube channel, and through the local media. Information also is provided in the annual Water Quality Report. Updates will continue to be provided through these channels. There also have been more than 30 public meetings on this topic since the beginning of 2019.
Information also is available on the MDH PFAS sites and what PFAS are, and the State of Minnesota's dedication to the settlement with 3M and the process for identifying long-term treatment solutions.
- What is the long-term solution on treatment for PFAS and when will it be implemented?
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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Department of Natural Resources are leading the effort with the impacted communities under the 3M and Statement of Minnesota Settlement Agreement in identifying the long-term treatment solutions. In September 2020, the state announced three draft options for long-term treatment solutions.
- View state's draft options*
- Comments on State of Minnesota Conceptual Drinking Water Supply (PDF)
- The public comment period closes December 10, 2020*
The Woodbury City Council passed a resolution in October 2019 declaring the community's goals for a long-term water treatment solution.
- Who will pay for the long-term solution for treatment of PFAS?
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Long-term solutions for the treatment of PFAS in drinking water are to be paid for from the approximately $700 million 3M and State of Minnesota Settlement Agreement that will go to east metro communities. Preliminary estimates indicate Woodbury’s long-term treatment facility will cost at least $150 million, maybe more, depending on several factors and other future possible changes to health standards and guidelines. It will be the largest public infrastructure project in the city’s history.
The city intends to use as much of the state settlement money to cover the costs as allowed, but other funding measures (utility rate changes, other state/federal funding sources, etc.) may be needed to close the gap if the city determines to treat the entire system. Any city funding for this project will require City Council approval.
For details, visit the State of Minnesota's website dedicated to the settlement with 3M and the process for identifying long-term treatment solution.