Kalamazoo focuses on 2 pump stations to meet new federal PFAS standards

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Kalamazoo is asking the state for $51 million to help remove PFAS from its water on the city’s east side.

The move follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s first national PFAS standards announced last month. By 2029, communities must implement solutions that reduce PFAS levels to less than 4 parts per trillion. Public water systems have three years to test for PFAS in their system. The EPA estimates that its regulations will prevent PFAS exposure in 100 million people and prevent thousands of deaths.

PFAS, a class of artificial chemicals found in a number of heat-resistant and waterproofing products, has been linked to various forms of cancer and other diseases. Scientists are still studying its health effects.

Kalamazoo has 15 water pumping stations. Only one of them, Pump Station 14, needs repair by 2029. Its water barely exceeds the federal government’s new PFAS limit of 4.2 ppt.

James Baker, director of utilities for the city of Kalamazoo, says residents have nothing to worry about in the meantime.

“Michigan residents are protected, Kalamazoo residents are protected and we’re just looking forward and we’re going to plan and invest in infrastructure,” Baker said.

The city has proposed a $110 million project that will not only treat and replace Pump Station 14, but also rebuild another station on the city’s east side, Pump Station 5. Pump Station 5 poses a risk because it is within 1,000 feet of a PFAS. contamination site, a former manufacturing site along the Kalamazoo River. Tests have shown that groundwater flows toward the river.

Baker emphasized that the water is good because it meets Michigan standards as well as current federal standards. But city leaders said it was important to act now to prepare for the future when the EPA standard takes effect.

“We are proactive,” Baker said. “We know that in 2029 these standards are going to be lowered, so we are proactive.”

Pump Station 5 is also 110 years old and needs to be replaced, Baker said.

“When we build these new stations, we’re not building them for a year or two years, we’re building them for the next generation,” Baker said. “That’s really what it’s about. It’s about investing in infrastructure and planning for the next generation.

The project would also improve overall water quality by extending water mains in Richland and Ross Townships and replacing lead service lines.

On Monday, the city commission asked the state to cover the cost of the project through the State Drinking Water Revolving Fund, a state-administered low-interest loan financing program. The city is also seeking grants and principal forgiveness plans to help fund the plan.

The city won’t know until September whether it will get the money. If this fails, it intends to pursue other funding avenues and possibly submit a new request to the State the following year. If all options are exhausted, the city may have to carry out the project itself and increase the community’s water rates by an estimated $8 per month.

“We’re not saying this is what we’re doing,” Baker said. “I think we have some decisions to make in September when we understand where we are.”

If all goes as planned, the city plans to complete the reconstruction of the water pumping stations by 2028.

Baker stresses that in the meantime, eastern residents should feel comfortable drinking their water.

“Everything is fine,” he said. “We have nothing but complete confidence in the water supply system. »