Laserfiche WebLink
BACKGROUND <br /> PFAS are a large group of man-made substances that have been extensively used <br /> since the 1940s in common consumer products designed to be waterproof, stain- <br /> resistant, or nonstick. In addition, these substances have been used in fire- <br /> retarding foam and various industrial processes. PFAS are unregulated <br /> contaminants of emerging concern in drinking water due to their health impacts and <br /> tendency to accumulate in groundwater. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and <br /> perfluorooctanoicacid (PFOA) are the most studied substances and are the focus of <br /> initial regulatory efforts in California. DDW has provided a tentative schedule to <br /> regulate PFOA and PFOS by establishing draft MCLs by fall of 2022 and final <br /> MCLs by early 2024. DDW has also started the process of reviewing other PFAS for <br /> possible regulation, but a schedule has not yet been identified. The City began <br /> testing its groundwater for PFAS in the second quarter of 2019 in compliance with <br /> general orders issued by DDW to numerous water agencies. Test results have <br /> shown that the City's Wells 5, 6, and 8 groundwater supply facilities contain the <br /> presence of PFAS. Well 8 contains the presence of PFOS above advisory levels <br /> and as a result, has not been operating since June 2019. <br /> On September 1, 2020, City Council supported a work plan to address PFAS that: <br /> • Prioritizes efforts on advancing the planning, design, and construction of <br /> self-implemented PFAS treatment at City wells. <br /> • Explores regional alternatives with Zone 7 on a parallel path. <br /> To begin the process of self-implemented PFAS treatment, the City established <br /> CIP21166 - PFAS Treatment and Wells Rehabilitation Project (Project). The goal of <br /> the Project is to extend the useful life of Wells 5, 6, and 8 as safe, reliable, and <br /> locally controlled sources of water for the City by: <br /> • Implementing a PFAS treatment system that can reduce concentrations to meet <br /> the City's low-treatment goal (defined as the consumer confidence report <br /> detection levels listed in the current DOW Order DW-2020-0003-DDW). <br /> • Rehabilitating the well facilities to extend their useful life by 30 years to <br /> be comparable to the useful life of a new PFAS treatment system. <br /> • Allowing for expansion of the PFAS treatment system site to accommodate <br /> potential future water treatment regulations. <br /> • Implement improvements in a timely fashion to increase probability of <br /> commissioning facilities prior to the required PFAS regulatory compliance date and <br /> reduce the risk/duration for purchasing supplemental water from Zone 7. <br /> On June 15, 2021, the City Council received a presentation on the Basis of Design <br /> Report (BODR) prepared by Carollo Engineers and approved finalizing the project <br /> design. The Project is estimated to cost approximately $46 million of which $3.3 million <br /> has already been allocated from the Water Operating Fund to cover design costs <br /> leaving $42.7 million to be funded. At the June 15, 2021 City Council meeting, City <br /> Council directed staff to prepare a funding plan for the unfunded portion of the <br /> estimated project cost and bring that plan to City Council for review and approval. <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />