Note: The water the city delivers to customers continues to meet all state and federal standards and guidelines for PFAS.
On Sept. 10, the Minnesota Pollution Control agency (MPCA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a $700 million long-term drinking water protection plan for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Twin Cities East Metropolitan Area, including Woodbury. The agencies revealed three conceptual drinking water supply plan (CDWSP) options that would provide safe and sustainable drinking water.
The city provided feedback to the state on several items in the draft CDWSP options. While this input is technical in nature, there are two items the city is requesting be addressed that are critical and may be of particular interest to residents:
Treating the water to the lowest feasible PFAS health index threshold possible should be a priority; and
Settlement funds should be properly directed and prioritized first to capital and long-term operations and maintenance for drinking water treatment and to keep local water bills affordable for residents and businesses.
The public can learn more about the options on the 3M Settlement website. Private well owners can use the MPCA interactive map to see the draft long-term drinking water options for individual private wells.
Thank you to all residents who took the time to submit feedback during the comment period. The MPCA and DNR expect to finalize the East Metro drinking water plan in 2021. The city will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Temporary water treatment plant The City of Woodbury’s new temporary water treatment plant began operating in June 2020. The facility, located near the intersection of Valley Creek Road and Tower Drive, is treating water from four wells to meet water quality standards and guidelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using granular activated carbon.
Activated carbon is commonly used to adsorb natural organic compounds, taste and odor compounds, and synthetic organic chemicals in drinking water treatment systems. Adsorption is both the physical and chemical process of accumulating a substance, such as PFAS, at the interface between liquid and solids phases. Activated carbon is an effective adsorbent because it is a highly porous material and provides a large surface area to which contaminants may adsorb. Activated carbon is made from organic materials with high carbon contents such as wood, lignite, and coal; and is often used in granular form called granular activated carbon (GAC).
GAC has been shown to effectively remove PFAS from drinking water when it is used in a flow through filter mode after particulates have already been removed. GAC can be 100 percent effective for a period of time, depending on the type of carbon used, the depth of the bed of carbon, flow rate of the water, the specific PFAS you need to remove, temperature, and the degree and type of organic matter as well as other contaminants, or constituents, in the water.
The temporary water treatment facility is expected to be in operation until a long-term water treatment solution can be implemented in the next five to seven years. Funds for the long-term solution are expected to be available from the $720 million settlement the state received from 3M in 2018.
Seven of the city’s 19 wells were removed from service since 2017 due to PFAS levels that were above federal and state water quality standards and guidelines. Bringing four of the seven wells back into service allows the city to meet the increased demand for water during the summer months. The remaining three wells will remain out of service at this time.
The temporary water treatment plant, which typically takes about 18 months to two years to construct, was completed in about five months. In order to meet peak summer demand, it was critical the temporary treatment facility was operational as quickly as possible. The city would not be operating the facility today without the work and cooperation of the State of Minnesota, 3M, the City Council, numerous city staff, our engineering consultant teams, and the construction expertise of the project contractor.
About PFAS The 3M Company made PFAS at its Cottage Grove facility from the late 1940s until 2002. PFAS wastes were disposed of at multiple sites in Washington County. The source of the PFAS in Woodbury’s groundwater has been identified as these disposal sites.
Funding for the Woodbury temporary water treatment plant is provided through the 2018 settlement agreement between the State of Minnesota and 3M. This arrangement includes a $40 million provision for temporary facilities meeting the requirements of the 2007 settlement agreement between the same two parties.
Remediation Activities In 2011, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) completed remediation activities at these sites to reduce the amount of pollutants released from these sites in the future.
3M, under direction from the MPCA, continues active site remediation. For the Woodbury site, remaining contamination is captured by pumping approximately 1.25 billion gallons of water annually to a treatment plant and discharging it to the Mississippi River.
Visit the MPCA website for more information about the remediation activities.
Private Water Supply Wells As a result of the EPA’s new guidance and MDH updated HBV for PFOA and PFOS, MDH is sampling private wells within Washington County and will issue additional drinking water advisories as needed. Until their private wells are tested, residents who have concerns about their health can take steps to reduce their potential exposure to PFAS. Information on point-of-use filters and other steps people can take in their homes can be found on the MDH website.
Residents who have questions about their private water supply well and whether it is impacted by this change should contact MDH.
June 12 Update: Temporary treatment facility nears completion
Construction activities continue on the temporary water treatment facility that will treat four of the city's seven water wells that currently exceed water quality standards and guidelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). All seven of these wells have been taken out of service, and water delivered to customers continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards.
However, it is critical the city implement temporary treatment options as soon as possible to allow the city to meet water demand on peak use days.
The primary goal is to be producing water at the temporary treatment facility that meets all state and federal standards for PFAS as soon as possible. All four of the wells designated for treatment at the plant have been connected to the site. The process of bringing the treatment plant online began in late May and this work will continue into the summer. Full site construction will continue through the summer even after the facility is fully operational.
The 3M Company made PFAS at its Cottage Grove facility from the late 1940s until 2002. PFAS wastes were disposed of at multiple sites in Washington County. The source of the PFAS in Woodbury's groundwater has been identified as these disposal sites.
The City of Woodbury is not paying for the estimated $11 million capital cost of constructing the temporary treatment plant. The 2007 consent decree between the State of Minnesota and 3M is funding the temporary water treatment plant. The State of Minnesota manages how the funds are used.
April 13 Update: Increased water restrictions likely until temporary treatment facility is complete
Due to seven of the city's wells being taken out of service because of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), water demand management will be critical in summer 2020 as a temporary water treatment facility is constructed. Additional watering restrictions may be needed if water demand approaches the amount we can supply. If initiated, the elevated restrictions would include:
A total irrigation ban.
No new seed/sod watering permits will be issued and all previously obtained permits are void.
The increased restrictions would be necessary to avoid a loss of water pressure in the system. Once the water system loses pressure, contaminants can enter the water distribution system. With a pressure loss, the Minnesota Department of Health will issue a "boil water order," which means residents will be required to boil the water to ensure it is safe prior to consuming it. This is a serious water production challenge and we are all going to have to do our part to ensure sufficient water pressure stays in the system until the temporary water treatment facility is operational.
Water demand can and does increase quickly - sometimes more than six million gallons within 24 hours - meaning utilities staff needs to anticipate future demand and react quickly.
If you want to be the first to know about potential increased water restrictions, sign up to receive calls and/or texts to your mobile device through the city's CodeRED emergency calling system. Lawn watering restrictions The increased watering restrictions would be above and beyond the city's standard lawn watering restrictions. Woodbury city code restricts both the day and time that you can water your lawn. Remember:
Lawn watering is prohibited between noon and 5 p.m. every day of the week.
Watering is allowed before noon and after 5 p.m. on an odd/even schedule. This means that residents with addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, etc.) may water their lawn on even-numbered calendar days. Likewise, those with addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, etc.) may only sprinkle lawns on odd-numbered calendar days.
As of Jan. 1, 2019, homes with private wells must follow the same watering restrictions.
City Code and State Statute requires all irrigation systems have one of the following in working condition: rain sensor, soil-moisture sensor or a WaterSense-certified smart controller. If your irrigation system was installed before 2018 and does not meet this requirement, you can to purchase a discounted smart controller through the city's Smart Irrigation Controller Program.
Water only if needed If your irrigation controller doesn't monitor rainfall, do it yourself with a rain gauge or weather report. Remember that a healthy lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Too much or too little can lead to thinning and weed growth. The city's lawn watering policy is in effect year-round and citations are issued for violations; first-time offenders are not exempt. Special watering permits for newly-placed sod and seed are available under the existing odd/even and time of day restrictions. Special water permits will not be available if increased water restrictions are implemented.
March 4: MPCA and DNR listening and information sessions presentation
On Feb. 26 and 27, and March 4, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Department of Natural Resources hosted public meetings to share drinking water supply options for those living and working in the East Metro Area. The top priority from the 3M Settlement for PFAS contamination in the East Metropolitan Area is to improve the quality and quantity of drinking water.
The city has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions for residents to review. Additional questions about Woodbury’s water system should be directed to Jim Westerman, utilities manager, at 651-714-3720 or jim.westerman@woodburymn.gov.
Feb. 21 Update: Seventh Woodbury well has PFAS levels above water quality limits
Today (Friday, Feb. 21), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a notice of health risk advisory for levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a seventh Woodbury municipal water production well.
The well was removed from service Feb. 3, when MDH called city staff to indicate a health advisory was going to be issued. Of Woodbury’s 19 municipal wells, water from seven wells now have detectable levels of PFAS that on repeatable occasion exceed one or more thresholds established by the MDH. Several of these exceedances are only slightly above the health parameters and have been below those values on prior sampling events.
The MDH recommendations are based on daily consumption over a lifetime and have been developed to protect the most vulnerable. To learn more about PFAS, visit health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/topics/pfcs.html or contact the MDH Site Assessment and Consultation Unit at 651-201-4897 or health.hazard@state.mn.us.
Woodbury’s drinking water continues to meet State of Minnesota and federal PFAS standards and guidelines.
Temporary water treatment facility update At its Jan. 8, 2020, meeting, the Woodbury City Council voted to expedite the construction of a temporary water treatment facility north of Valley Creek Road and east of Tower Drive. The original design of the temporary water treatment facility was to address three of the city’s six wells that were removed from service due to health advisories from PFAS levels. The city is now exploring whether additional treatment capacity will be needed.
It is critical the city implement temporary treatment options as soon as possible to allow the city to meet water demand on peak use days this summer.
There are currently two funding sources: the 2007 consent decree and the 3M and State of Minnesota Settlement Agreement. The 2007 consent decree funds more urgent items such as the temporary treatment plant while the 3M and State of Minnesota Settlement Agreement will fund long-term solutions. Both funds are a result of lawsuits the State filed against 3M and are not taxpayer money. The State of Minnesota manages how the funds are used. The City of Woodbury is not paying for the capital cost of constructing the temporary treatment plant.
Jan. 8, 2020 Update: City begins work on temporary water treatment facility
Jan. 8 Update: City begins work on temporary water treatment facility At its Jan. 8, 2020, meeting, the Woodbury City Council took actions to expedite the construction of a temporary water treatment facility that will treat three of the city’s six water wells that currently exceed water quality standards for PFAS.
The 3M Company made PFAS at its Cottage Grove facility from the late 1940s until 2002. PFAS wastes were disposed of at multiple sites in Washington County. The source of the PFAS in Woodbury’s groundwater has been identified as these disposal sites.
The Minnesota Department of Health has established health standards for PFAS and has issued health risk advisories on six of Woodbury’s 19 wells since 2017.
The city has taken all six of these wells off-line, and water delivered to customers continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards. However, it is critical the city implement temporary treatment options as soon as possible to allow the city to meet water demand on peak use days in summer 2020. If a temporary treatment option cannot be implemented in summer 2020, increased water restrictions may be needed to ensure the water system has enough pressure to meet demand.
3M and the State of Minnesota are funding the construction of the temporary water treatment facility, which will be located in the Tamarack well field north of Valley Creek Road and east of Tower Drive. City staff is working with its consultant AE2S and the State of Minnesota to design the facility, and will be collecting and incorporating feedback from the neighborhood.
The temporary water treatment facility is expected to be in operation until a long-term water treatment solution can be implemented, expected to be around 2025. The State of Minnesota continues to study long-term treatment options for several communities in the east metro area and is expected to share its recommendations with the cities in spring 2020. Funds for long-term water treatment solutions in the east metro are expected to be available through the $720 million settlement the state received from 3M in 2018.
The city has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions for residents to review. Additional questions about Woodbury’s water system should be directed to Jim Westerman, utilities manager, at 651-714-3720 or jim.westerman@woodburymn.gov.
Oct. 24 Update: Public Meeting held at Woodbury High School
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held two public informational meetings to discuss their ongoing efforts to provide safe drinking water to area residents. Watch the video below for the updates, and visit the 3M PFAS Settlement website to learn more.
Oct. 18, 2019 Update: Sixth Woodbury Well has PFAS levels above health risk limit
On Friday, Oct. 18, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a notice of health risk advisory for levels of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a sixth Woodbury municipal water production well. Because some of the PFAS chemicals found in the drinking water can cause health effects based on daily consumption over a lifetime, the State of Minnesota calculates a health risk index (HRI) to determine if the combined health risk exceeds a certain level.
Woodbury immediately made operational changes to its water system that will reduce use of the impacted well. Of Woodbury’s 19 municipal wells, water from six wells – based on the most current data – now have detectable levels of PFAS that on repeatable occasion exceed one or more thresholds established by the MDH. Several of these exceedances are only slightly above the heath parameters and have been below those values on prior sampling events. The MDH recommendations are based on daily consumption over a lifetime and have been developed to be protective of the most vulnerable. To learn more about PFAS, visit the MDH website or contact the MDH Site Assessment and Consultation Unit at 651-201-4897 or health.hazard@state.mn.us.
Woodbury’s drinking water continues to meet State of Minnesota and Federal PFAS standards. The city – in coordination with MDH – has made operational changes limiting the use of the six impacted wells. Staff will be evaluating the water system’s ability to meet demand on peak use days in summer of 2020 with six of its 19 wells in reduced operation due to the presence of PFAS.
The city’s highest priority is the health and safety of its residents. Woodbury will continue working with the MDH to monitor, assess and sampling of its water. The public will be informed if/when new changes are detected.
Aug. 28, 2019 Update: Expedited project awarded to and accepted by Woodbury
To help provide immediate assistance to communities impacted by PFAS, the state made a portion of the 3M Settlement dollars available early to help fund projects. Following a state submission and review process, Woodbury received $96,000 to study the level of effectiveness of “mixing” groundwater from clean wells with groundwater from wells with levels of PFAS that exceed the Health Risk Index for PFAS. The Minnesota Department of Health has indicated that “mixing” is an acceptable solution to treating PFAS contaminated wells. Woodbury has sought verification as to how well the technique is or may work in its municipal water supply.
Preliminary results of the testing were received by staff in November 2019 and indicated that temporary treatment solutions were necessary to meet summer demand for water (see Jan. 9 update above). The final report will be published when complete.
April 3, 2019 Update: Minnesota Department of Health issues new Health-Based Guidance Values
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued new Health-Based Guidance Values (HBVs) for two chemicals in the group of chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFOS and PFHxS. The new PFOS value of 15 parts per trillion (ppt) replaces the 2017 value of 27 ppt. Only recently has enough scientific data been available to derive a value for PFHxS; the new HBV for PFHxS is 47 ppt. It replaces MDH’s previous approach of using the PFOS HBV as a “surrogate” for PFHxS.
The city changed its well operations to limit the use of the wells impacted by PFAS above established thresholds. These wells are only needed when water demand is high during summer months; when they are in operation, they are used as sparingly as possible and in a rotation with other wells that are not impacted by PFAS. Because of these existing operational changes, MDH indicated to city staff that no additional operational changes to the city’s water system are needed at this time. The water remains safe to drink.
March 2, 2018 Update: $850 million settlement provides funding for cleaning up drinking water
In 2010, Minnesota’s attorney general sued 3M Company alleging that the company’s production of chemicals known as PFAS had damaged drinking water and natural resources in the southeast Twin Cities metro area, including Woodbury. On Feb. 20, 2018, the State of Minnesota and 3M reached a settlement agreement, with the state receiving a grant from 3M for $850 million.
The court-approved agreement specifically outlines providing a clean, sustainable supply of drinking water as a top priority. It also indicates that improvements will be primarily focused on the cities of Woodbury, Afton, Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, Newport, Oakdale, St. Paul Park and the townships of Grey Cloud Island and West Lakeland. Projects could include treating drinking water from existing wells, providing alternative sources of drinking water for cities or private well owners, or connecting homes served by private wells to municipal drinking water systems.
While the city's water is safe to drink today, there have been significant operational changes made due to the presence of PFAS in the aquifer. The city looks forward to working with the state agencies and other impacted communities to develop water treatment solutions that will provide safe drinking water for generations to come.
The temporary water treatment plant, which typically takes about 18 months to two years to construct, was completed in about five months. In order to meet peak summer demand, it was critical the temporary treatment facility was operational as quickly as possible. The city would not be operating the facility today without the work and cooperation of the State of Minnesota, 3M, the City Council, numerous city staff, our engineering consultant teams, and the construction expertise of the project contractor.