HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston City Council will consider resolutions concerning removing per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Hermiston’s drinking water system, and how to seek state funding for water system improvements at its regular meeting on August 10.
PFAS, known as forever chemicals, are synthetic chemicals widely used in industry and consumer products since the 1940’s that break down slowly and can build up in the environment over time, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A PFAS Mitigation Feasibility Study prepared by Anderson Perry & Associates and presented to the City Council during its July 27 work session found PFAS in three of Hermiston’s water sources, with several concentrations exceeding new federal standards that public drinking water systems must meet by 2029.
City Council will first consider formally adopting the PFAS Mitigation Feasibility Study as the City’s plan for removing PFAS from the municipal water system.
Adopting the study does not authorize construction or make any financial commitment, according to the City. Future decisions on implementation of the plan would return to the City Council for consideration.
In addition to addressing PFAS, the study also evaluated Hermiston’s water system’s needs over the next 20 years to ensure there’s enough water to serve both future residents and businesses.
According to the City, the recommended plan includes installing treatment and filtration at Well #5, decommissioning Wells #2 and #4, and maximizing use of the Regional Water Treatment Plant to provide additional water to the City, at an estimated construction cost of $26 million for the improvements.
The second resolution the council will consider is authorizing the City to apply to the Oregon Health Authority’s Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Emerging Contaminants Program.
The program provides forgivable loan funding for projects addressing emerging drinking water contaminants, with a focus on PFAS.
The deadline to apply for the funding is August 13, and the amount of funding that could be forgiven is not yet known, according to the City.
Hermiston is also participating in pending class-action litigation against PFAS manufacturers that could provide additional revenue toward the cost of improvements.
Hermiston City Council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall. The full agenda for the August 10 meeting is available online.
A livestream of the council meeting will also be available.
