RAMSEY BOROUGH PFAS TREATMENT

Ramsey Borough recently closed on a $3.25 million loan through the New Jersey Water Bank to finance PFAS treatment at the Arrow Road Treatment Facility. The facility draws water from three wells and currently treats for several contaminants. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used for decades in products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. Often referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS break down very slowly in the environment and can accumulate in water supplies and the human body, where they have been linked to potential health risks.

Recent testing found that the water supplied to the facility contains levels of PFOA, a type of PFAS, that exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new Maximum Contaminant Level. Testing also detected 1,4-dioxane above recommendations from the New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute. 1,4-dioxane is a synthetic industrial chemical that can be present as a byproduct in certain manufacturing processes and consumer products and has been identified as a likely human carcinogen.

As part of the project, Ramsey plans to include space in the new treatment building to accommodate future treatment equipment for 1,4-dioxane, should it become necessary.