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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Worksession 03072016 Work Session Agenda Monday, March 7, 2016 7:00 p.m. (food available at 5:15 pm) 1. Water. Mark Casey, City Manager Presenting Closed Session permitted by the attorney-client privilege (Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.05, subdivision 3(b)) to discuss potential options for responding to 1,4 Dioxane contamination in groundwater and related legal claims. 2. Adjournment Next Work Session– Monday, March 28, 2016 – after Joint Meeting with Planning Commission St. Anthony Advanced Oxidation Water Treatment Facility Accelerated Project Schedule Phase 2016 2017 Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Preliminary Design Final Design MDH and U.S Army Review Bidding Contracts and Preconstruction Meeting Shop Drawing Submittals-Reviews Construction Start-up Water Restrictions • Uncertainty of the impact that recent changes in pumping upstream of St. Anthony may have on Dioxane movement in the City’s groundwater supply • Concern that summer increases in groundwater demand could encourage more Dioxane to move toward St. Anthony water supply wells. • Based on these uncertainties, staff recommends consideration of water conservation steps to reduce groundwater pumping from the aquifer. Splash Pads: Usage 2013 2014 2015 30,553,269 14,209,263 16,230,253 • 5% to 10% of overall usage • 30% to 40% of irrigation use • 11% to 19% of peak demand use Odd/Even Watering: Residential Usage 2013 2014 2015 30,214,675 17,240,903 16,409,760 *Less water reduction may be experienced due to increased watering on designated day. • No watering between 11:00 am through 6:00 pm • Odd addresses allowed on odd dates • Even addresses allowed on even dates • Option to allow a special 30 day permit for new sod, grass seeding and landscaping • Allow watering of gardens, flower beds and washing vehicles at any time with a handheld hose • Children’s water toys permitted as long as they “are attended” • No restrictions on commercial/industrial/institutional use • Athletic fields irrigation? • Other restrictions? Dioxane Communication’s Plan 1. April 1st, 2016 City Newsletter - Due Friday, March 18th • Cover– Mayor’s Note • Letter from Mayor & Council insert • FAQ insert • Water restrictions/splash pads – City Manager’s article 2. April 12th City Council Meeting • Presentation by City Engineer • Acceptance of Feasibility Study • Resolution Approving Final Design and Order Improvements • Guest _________ (Army) • Guest _________ (MDH) • Guest _________ (MPCA) 3. Website • April 1st Letter from Mayor & Council • FAQ • MDH’s Fact Sheet • Water Research Foundation’s White Paper • EPA’s Technical Fact Sheet • Water Restrictions • Proposed schedule? 4. Twitter 5. Information Meeting? 6. Direct mailer to residents? 7. Other • Review with Kristina Curly, Army Risk Communication Specialist 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 3301 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, Minnesota 55418-1699 • www.ci.saint-anthony.mn.us •(612) 782-3301 Fax (612) 782-3302 Our mission is to be a progressive and livable community, a walkable village which is sustainable, safe and secure. April 1, 2016 Dear Resident, In February 2015, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) notified the City of New Brighton that the contaminant, 1,4-dioxane (dioxane), had been detected in trace amounts in some of their city’s drinking water wells. Because the City of Saint Anthony Village draws its water from the same aquifers as New Brighton, we began testing our three wells monthly in addition to the MDH’s periodic testing of the city’s wells. That testing has shown low levels of dioxane. The likely source of the dioxane is the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) in Arden Hills. TCAAP is the source of other contaminants found in New Brighton’s and Saint Anthony Village’s water supply, which have been successfully treated for 30 years. Dioxane should not be confused with dioxin, a known environmental pollutant found in some foods. The Minnesota Department of Health has advised that amounts below 1 part per billion (ppb) present a minimal health risk. The amounts of dioxane found in Saint Anthony’s water are currently below the MDH’s recommended limits for dioxane in drinking water. We are committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water and we take any risk seriously. Testing shows that the city has not delivered drinking water in excess of the MDH’s advisory health limit of one part per billion (ppb). We are taking additional steps to ensure that our drinking water remains safe. We are in the process of upgrading the city’s water treatment systems so that that the levels of dioxane will not reach a level that may present a health risk. The addition to the water treatment facility is designed to keep dioxane below the 1 part per billion (ppb) threshold recommended by MDH. The United States Army is working with the city to design and finance the upgrades to the water treatment plant. Until the upgrades to the treatment system are completed, we will implement water conservation policies to reduce the risk that dioxane can reach a level that presents a health risk. For the coming months, the city will: • Restrict lawn watering to an odd/even every other day schedule. • Close the city’s two splash pads to conserve fresh water. We understand that both measures present inconveniences but when water quality is concerned, we act with an abundance of caution. 3301 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, Minnesota 55418-1699 • www.ci.saint-anthony.mn.us •(612) 782-3301 Fax (612) 782-3302 Our mission is to be a progressive and livable community, a walkable village which is sustainable, safe and secure. For more information, please view information including an MDH fact sheet and Frequently Asked Questions document on the City of Saint Anthony’s website at www.ci.saint- anthony.mn.us or contact the City at 612-782-3301. Sincerely, Jerry Faust, Mayor Bonnie Brever, Councilmember Hal Gray, Councilmember Jan Jenson, Councilmember Randy Stille, Councilmember City of St. Anthony Village Water FAQ In February 2015, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) notified the City of New Brighton that the contaminant, 1,4-dioxane (dioxane), had been detected in trace amounts in some of their City’s drinking water wells. Since being notified of dioxane in New Brighton’s water supply in 2015, the City of St. Anthony has been testing its three wells monthly in addition to the MDH’s periodic testing of the City’s wells. That testing continues to show low levels of dioxane. The Minnesota Department of Health has advised that dioxane levels above 1 part per billion (ppb) present a minimal health risk. The amounts of dioxane found in St. Anthony’s water are currently below the MDH’s recommended limits for dioxane in drinking water. Is my water safe to drink? Yes. The water is below the lowest existing health advisory level and is safe for all uses. It is safe for drinking, bathing, washing clothing and preparing infant formula. Where does the City of St. Anthony Village’s water come from? The City of St. Anthony Village pumps groundwater from three municipal wells. The city’s water is drawn from the Prairie du Chien and Jordan Aquifers. What is 1,4-dioxane? Dioxane is an industrial chemical used to stabilize chlorinated solvents, such as trichloroethane (TCA) and trichloroethylene (TCE). These are both solvents that were used during operations at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) in Arden Hills. Dioxane can also be found in some consumer products, including shampoos. Dioxane should not be confused with dioxin, a known environmental pollutant found in some foods. How was dioxane found in the City of St. Anthony Village’s water supply? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) tested the City of St. Anthony Village’s water supply and detected trace amounts of dioxane. The current concentration of dioxane falls below the MDH advisory level of 1 part per billion (ppb). Since we were made aware of New Brighton’s dioxane issue in February 2015, St. Anthony has been conducting monthly testing. What are the health guidelines surrounding dioxane? No regulatory limit on the amount of dioxane permitted in drinking water has been set under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. However, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has set an advisory limit of 1 part per billion (ppb). What is the City of St. Anthony Village doing to control dioxane levels below 1 part per billion (ppb)? With assistance from the Army, the City of St. Anthony is moving forward in designing an addition to our water treatment facility to ensure the 1,4 dioxane stays below the 1 part per billion (ppb) threshold. The City is also communicating regularly with the MDH, and other surrounding municipalities that pump water from this aquifer. Is this contamination caused by operations at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP)? TCAAP is the likely source of the contamination. (over) How long had dioxane been in the water? While it was first detected in 2015, dioxane has likely been in the water in trace amounts for years. The dioxane was used in operations at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP). Dioxane is an additive to solvents that were used at TCAAP when it was in operation. Why is dioxane only being discovered now? Scientific knowledge and understanding of dioxane has increased in recent years, and the methods available to test for contaminants at extremely low concentrations like dioxane have improved. Also, the interest in dioxane levels has expanded as science has improved understanding of the health risks associated with dioxane. What is the health risk posed by dioxane? According to the fact sheet from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), exposure to dioxane over a person’s lifetime could increase the risk of cancer. Please refer to the fact sheets prepared by MDH and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), links to which are on the City’s web page at www.ci.saint-anthony.mn.us How significant is the health risk posed by dioxane in St. Anthony Village’s Water? The current concentration falls below the MDH advisory level for municipal water supplies. The MDH has set its 1 ppb advisory level to provide for a risk of fewer than one possible additional case of cancer for every 100,000 people who consume the water over a lifetime. The MDH’s analysis is based on an assumption that each person consumes two liters (a little more than a half-gallon) of water containing 1 ppb of dioxane each day for their lifetime (approximately 70 years). Is there a federal drinking water limit for dioxane? No. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is responsible for setting enforceable limits on the amount of particular substances permitted in drinking water. The USEPA is currently gathering data to assess the prevalence of dioxane in water supplies nationally. Why doesn’t the City’s current water treatment process remove dioxane from the water? The City’s current water treatment plant was designed to remove TCAAP contaminants that were known at the time it was built through use of granular activated carbon (GAC). GAC has an extensive pore structure that captures typical TCAAP contaminants. As the scientific knowledge about dioxane has grown, it has been discovered that carbon does not capture dioxane. What is the city doing to prevent dioxane from becoming a health hazard? The City is in the process of upgrading its water treatment systems so that the levels of dioxane will not reach a level that may present a health risk. An addition to the water treatment facility currently in design will ensure the dioxane stays below the 1 part per billion (ppb) threshold recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health. Until the upgrades to the treatment system are completed, the City of St. Anthony will implement water conservation measures to reduce the risk that dioxane can reach a level that presents a health risk. For the coming months, the city will: o Restrict lawn watering to an odd/even every other day schedule. o The city’s two splash pads will be closed to conserve fresh water. Who is responsible for paying for the upgrades to the water treatment plant? The United States Army is working with the city on design and financing the upgrades to the water treatment plant. The City of St. Anthony has an existing agreement with the United States Army to respond to water issues related to TCAAP. Water Restrictions by Mark Casey, City Manager As described in the Mayor’s note, the City of Saint Anthony Village is committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water and we are acting with an abundance of caution in our response to the discovery of the chemical dioxane in our wells. We are pursuing a long term solution with the design and construction of upgrades to our water treatment facility. W e are also implementing short term water conservation measures designed to limit the amount of water we draw from the aquifer. This summer, we will not open the splash pads located in both Central & Emerald parks and we will implement an odd/even lawn watering ban. We understand that both policies present inconveniences but when water quality is concerned, we must act with caution. We are aware of the popularity of the splash pads particularly for families with young children. They are responsible for approximately 10 percent of all water consumption in the city and, as such, we are able to realize significant water conservation by not running them this year. The watering restrictions allow people with addresses that end in an even number to water their lawns on even numbered dates, with odd numbered addresses watering on odd numbered dates. For the entire city, there will be no watering between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. — the hottest part of the day when evaporation makes irrigation less efficient. A temporary watering permit may be obtained for 30 days to allow for daily watering of new sod, grass seeding and landscaping. People can also water gardens, flower beds and wash vehicles at any time with a handheld hose. Children's water toys are exempt when the users are present. These measures go into effect on April 1, 2016 and will be in place until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation and will continue to update our website.