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Note from the Mayor Dear Residents, In spring of last year the State of Minnesota began testing for 1,4-Dioxane (dioxane) throughout the state. The State determined that the established safe level be set at 1.0 part per billion (ppb). The testing showed a level exceeding that in New Brighton, but Saint Anthony’s level was below the threshold. Subsequently New Brighton ceased drawing water from the aquifer which we also draw from. We can debate the standards but that does nothing to dispel any concerns or potential impact to the users. Although our levels have been OK so far, intuitively and scientifically it stands to reason that dioxane may migrate towards our city wells. The city commenced with extensive engineering research on options to preclude the potential event of exceeding the state set standards. After extensive iterations of options being studied, evaluated and along with engineers’ numerous site visits, the City Engineer has identified a treatment plan. The optimum solution involves the application of ultraviolet light and chemical treatment that eliminates the dioxane. There are numerous successful examples around the country, including in Tucson, Arizona, showing that this application eliminates anywhere from 60 ppb to 295 ppb dioxane effectively to 0. We have high confidence the system will be equally effective for Saint Anthony. These are not plug and play systems but have to be built to the existing requirements of the user. That means time in terms of construction prior to becoming operational. Early winter we began the design standards to implement such a solution. In the mean time we are prepared to initiate temporary steps should we exceed the 1 ppb. Construction should begin as soon as practical; furthermore we will not be hampered by the initial expense over public safety. What that means is we could potentially see higher water rates, water restrictions and purchase of water. Concurrently with these actions, discussions have been ongoing with Army officials as this is a result of the Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant (TCAAP) plume that has transpired during World War II continuing up to and including the Viet Nam War. We are cautiously optimistic that the Army will do what is right by Saint Anthony. We are attempting to fix the problem here and not pass it on and are of the belief that the Army holds that same philosophy as a principle. However we cannot wait for the plume to get here or for all the details with the Army to be worked out; we need to be proactive and take steps to protect our water supply. Time and waiting is not in our best interests as a community. Hence our need to initiate a proactive action plan with urgency of execution. In our Strategic Plan one of our goals is to Communicate Transparently & Effectively. As such we are providing you this information to inform you and allay any concerns you may have that we are managing the issue with the best science and data available. We are not going to allow hysteria to overcome the discussion of science in providing safe water to our residents. It should be noted that we have still maintained a level of acceptable state standards through monthly testing. The City Council, City Staff and City Engineers are totally committed to providing you with safe water. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. This won’t be quick or easy but I can promise you that everyone is working on this as diligently as possible! As details, developments and more progress become available it will be posted on our website. My best regard Jerry Faust Last Change: 3-2-16