11-12-2024 Council Meeting Agenda Packet

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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING STAFF REPORT AGENDA ITEM 6E STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director MEETING DATE: November 5, 2024 TOPIC: Consider Resolution No. 24-146, Approving Professional Services Agreement with WSB for Preparation of Test Well 7B Design and Analysis, Michael Grochala VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting City Council consideration to authorize preparation of a test well and design analysis in preparation for Well No. 7 permit application. BACKGROUND The City has six water production wells to meet the domestic water supply needs of the community. As discussed at the November 4, 2024, work session Well No. 2 has not been used since 2019 due to its poor water quality. It has the highest manganese concentrations of the six wells, exceeding MDH health guidelines, and in addition, its iron and manganese concentrations are an aesthetic concern because they can cause staining and a metallic taste. Recent testing for PFAS identified PFOA concentrations over recently established EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The well is also located over 3 miles from the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) currently under construction. Connection to the plant would require a new raw water main over that length and still would not address PFAS issues. Staff is proposing construction of new well on the WTP site which would be connected directly to the new plant. This would result in 5 wells initially treated by the plant with Well No. 4 used as a maintenance/peaking well. Connection to the plant also eliminates the need to construct a pumphouse, greatly reducing costs. Staff has started discussion with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) regarding the proposed well application. MNDNR has completed a preliminary well assessment as the first step in the process. WSB has provided a proposal to complete the test well design and analysis component of the project. Following completion of the design and specifications the City will obtain quotes for the test well construction and monitoring. Following completion of the project WSB will complete a technical memorandum summarizing the test findings.