Hampstead outlines multi-site water modernization plan to reduce PFAS and nitrates
March 28, 2024 | Hampstead, Carroll County, Maryland
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Town staff presented a multi-site plan on March 27 to centralize Hampstead’s water treatment and cut PFAS (including PFOS) and nitrate risks through new and expanded facilities.
Zoning Administrator Jim said the proposed project "will involve the design and construction of 3 new water treatment facilities and the expansion of 1 existing water treatment facility that will employ granulated activated carbon known as GAC to reduce PFOS concentrations in the water supply sources." He explained the rationale: centralized pump houses and treatment are less costly than installing GAC skids at every well.
Jim identified wells to be routed to the new or expanded sites: Wells 33, 35 and 36 are currently treated together; Well 19 would be routed to that same location; a Shiloh-area facility would treat Well 31 and accept Wells 28, 29 and 32 from Shiloh Run and Westwood Park; and a new site on Upper Beckleyville is proposed to treat Well 13. He also said Wells 20 and 21 have been offline for years because of high nitrates and the town plans to add a nitrate-removal system where those wells are returned to service.
Jim noted that Wells 24 and 25 tested with high PFOS in 2020 and were taken offline at that time. The project is in engineering; staff and engineers will review 60% concept drawings on April 6 and there is a reasonable chance the plan could be submitted to the county for review ahead of the commission's April meeting.
Commissioners were told the commission’s role will focus on building siting, setbacks and site-plan review rather than the equipment inside the buildings; staff emphasized that the GAC equipment requires larger building footprints. The presentation did not include cost estimates or a procurement schedule; staff said those details will come with later engineering and finance work.
The commission did not vote on the plan; next steps include the April engineering review and potential county submission before the commission’s April meeting.
Zoning Administrator Jim said the proposed project "will involve the design and construction of 3 new water treatment facilities and the expansion of 1 existing water treatment facility that will employ granulated activated carbon known as GAC to reduce PFOS concentrations in the water supply sources." He explained the rationale: centralized pump houses and treatment are less costly than installing GAC skids at every well.
Jim identified wells to be routed to the new or expanded sites: Wells 33, 35 and 36 are currently treated together; Well 19 would be routed to that same location; a Shiloh-area facility would treat Well 31 and accept Wells 28, 29 and 32 from Shiloh Run and Westwood Park; and a new site on Upper Beckleyville is proposed to treat Well 13. He also said Wells 20 and 21 have been offline for years because of high nitrates and the town plans to add a nitrate-removal system where those wells are returned to service.
Jim noted that Wells 24 and 25 tested with high PFOS in 2020 and were taken offline at that time. The project is in engineering; staff and engineers will review 60% concept drawings on April 6 and there is a reasonable chance the plan could be submitted to the county for review ahead of the commission's April meeting.
Commissioners were told the commission’s role will focus on building siting, setbacks and site-plan review rather than the equipment inside the buildings; staff emphasized that the GAC equipment requires larger building footprints. The presentation did not include cost estimates or a procurement schedule; staff said those details will come with later engineering and finance work.
The commission did not vote on the plan; next steps include the April engineering review and potential county submission before the commission’s April meeting.
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