MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The Marshfield Common Council on Tuesday approved a resolution tied to Marshfield Utilities’ application for state funding for a permanent PFAS treatment facility at the utility’s south well field.
Nicholas Kumm, general manager of Marshfield Utilities, said the resolution is required as part of the utility’s application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Safe Drinking Water Loan Program for emerging contaminants.
Kumm said the project would replace the existing temporary treatment system with a permanent facility to provide a long-term solution for PFAS treatment.
The resolution does not commit the city or utility to accepting a loan, Kumm said. Instead, it establishes the city’s intent to reimburse eligible project costs with future loan proceeds if funding is awarded and accepted.
Kumm said Marshfield Utilities ranked near the top of the DNR’s preliminary project priority list released in May. Funding levels are expected to be provided in December.
Proposed changes to the emerging contaminants funding program could increase the amount of principal forgiveness available for the project, Kumm said, reducing the cost to utility customers.
Council Member Natasha Tompkins asked whether the future treatment system would be able to handle additional PFAS compounds if more are regulated later.
Kumm said the system is designed to meet current and future needs. He said the utility is meeting current regulations with its existing system and expects the permanent system to continue doing so.
The council approved the resolution after brief discussion.
Author: News Desk
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