The Environmental Protection Agency set new federal standards on the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, known as PFAS, in drinking water Wednesday, marking the first-ever limit on these dangerous chemicals set by the federal government.
Following the announcement by the EPA five of the six municipal wells in Hastings were discovered to exceed these new limits, renewing calls to the legislature to fund essential upgrades that will help remove these dangerous chemicals.
“This historic action by the federal government is welcome news, making it clear that PFAS are dangerous and have no business being anywhere near our water. Unfortunately, this news doesn’t change the reality facing the people of Hastings,” said Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton). “With the findings revealing PFAS contamination in 5 of 6 municipal wells in Hastings, it is imperative that we provide the funding necessary this year to upgrade the critical water infrastructure needed to remove these chemicals.”
The new federal standards placed limits on the 6 most common types of PFAS, which now exceed the levels that previously existed in Minnesota. To meet these new standards, the city of Hastings is requesting capital investment funding to help build three new water treatment plants, legislation (S.F. 3161) being carried by Senator Seeberger.
“Minnesotans expect and deserve the water they use every day in their lives to be safe,” added Sen. Seeberger. “It’s time for the state to step up, take action, and help ensure that people can rest easy at night knowing their water is safe.”
The total capital investment request for the water treatment plants is $61,665,000.
