The manager of the 3M plant in Brookings, South Dakota, has reported ongoing PFAS contamination in shallow water and soil on the plant’s premises.
This revelation was discussed during a recent Brookings City Council meeting, raising concerns among council members as 3M expands its presence in the area.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known to have harmful effects on humans and animals, as stated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to Jim Burkhardt, the director of the Brookings 3M plant, the increased PFAS levels are attributed to a leak in the plant’s fire water system.
The company is collaborating with the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to construct new wells for additional PFAS sampling. Eric Witt, the Brookings Wastewater Plant Operations Supervisor, noted that PFAS has not been detected in any city wells and expressed confidence that 3M’s efforts to safeguard local drinking water through the construction of additional wells will be effective.
During the council meeting, members inquired about the timeline for constructing these extra wells, to which Burkhardt responded that they anticipate installing the wells in October or early November, with some on 3M’s property and others off-property.
Burkhardt also mentioned plans to establish an additional 22 wells for ongoing monitoring of PFAS contamination levels.