PFBA Detected in Southeast Metropolitan Area Municipal Wells
December 8th, 2007 Posted in CommunityIn January 2007 the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that trace levels of the chemical perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) had been detected in wells in Woodbury, South St. Paul, Newport, St. Paul Park, Denmark Township, Cottage Grove, and Hastings. The MDH has determined that PFBA at these low levels does not pose an immediate health risk to local residents and businesses.
PFBA was one of several fluorochemical materials that 3M previously manufactured. 3M Cottage Grove was one of the plants that manufactured these materials. During the 1950’s and 1960’s waste from the manufacturing process was disposed of at area landfills, including a disposal site on the Woodbury / Cottage Grove border.
The MDH is continuing study of PFBA and any potential for health impacts. The MDH has not declared a drinking water advisory. The MDH has determined, however, that to filter PFBA from a drinking water source a faucet filter attachment including an activated carbon media can provide adequate filtration.
Additional information regarding PFBA’s and related materials and studies can be reached by clicking on the links below.
To view the Minnesota Department of Health press release, click here, or for additional information from the MDH, follow the links below; alternatively, an MDH resource person can be contacted at (651) 201-4897.
General PFC Info
General info about Carbon Filters
Specific S. Wash. Co. Info
Point of Use Filters
Map of Affected Areas
Information from 3M
Special Water Issue of Lake Elmo Newsletter - good general info
3M Response to City of Cottage Grove
For more information about Perfluorochemicals and Health in Minnesota from the Minnesota Department of Health, please e-mail hazhealth@health.state.mn.us.
Recently, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens’ Board approved a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order with 3M regarding the 3M Chemolite Disposal Site, the 3M Oakdale Disposal Site, and the 3M Woodbury Disposal Site.
The consent order is available at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/about/board/3mchemolite-bditem5-07.pdf
A fact sheet summarizing the Consent Order is available at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/pfc-consentorderfactsheet.pdf