Ridgewood updates water projects: $150M PFAS program, lead‑line contract changes and Shedler remediation grant filing

Ridgewood Village Manager and Ridgewood Water Director told the council on May 6 that the village is progressing on multiple water infrastructure and remediation fronts.

Keith reported the village is investing about $150 million to install PFAS (PAS) treatment across Ridgewood Water’s service area and expects, "by this time next year, we'll be able to proudly say that all of the water that is being delivered to all four communities that Ridgewood Water Services will be properly treated for PAS." The manager credited federal and state appropriations for offsetting the cost.

Rich Calby, Ridgewood Water director, presented three program items: change order No. 1 to the Revax lead service line replacement contract (primarily traffic control/police costs) increasing allowances by about $433,333 and bringing the contract to approximately $3,686,983; closeout and final payment recommendation for a raw water main PAS project ($650,048.16 final amount, under original award); and a resolution to meet I‑Bank construction loan requirements tied to a recent $4 million appropriation for treatment plant construction.

On the Shedler property remediation, James (engineering staff) reported active dirt removal with NJDEP on site and consultants from Matrix New World. Matrix prepared a Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund grant application seeking roughly $333,000 to recoup consultant and remediation costs tied to the site; the council acknowledged the application. The village also authorized archaeological monitoring, avoidance/protection efforts and HABS documentation required by state approvals.

What happens next: Staff will process the contract change and closeout items and proceed with I‑Bank financing steps. Shedler remediation will continue with NJDEP oversight and the village will pursue the grant recovery application filed by Matrix.