Town Commits $1.6 Million for PFAS Water Treatment Design
Key Points
- Funds design of treatment plants for PFAS, iron, and manganese removal.
- Project aims for completion by the 2031 federal regulatory deadline.
- The $1.6 million comes from water department reserves, not the general tax fund.
Voters approved Article 19, authorizing a $1,600,000 transfer from water retained earnings to fund the design and engineering of new treatment facilities for the town's water supply. The project targets the removal of PFAS ("forever chemicals") as well as iron and manganese at the Depot and Tremont Street well sites.
Brian Weiner of Tighe & Bond, the town’s consultant, stated that Duxbury is on track to meet the 2031 federal compliance deadline for PFAS levels. Water Superintendent Mark Cloud clarified that because the town’s water system is interconnected, these specific site improvements will benefit water quality for all residents across the community.
Motion: To transfer $1,600,000 from water retained earnings for design and engineering.
Vote: Passed 141-3-0