County approves Kamors water-extension change order; officials flag persistent water-quality work

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners approved a final adjusting change order for the Kamors water-extension project and asked staff to complete final payments and continue coordinating with Kamors on broader water-quality concerns.

Logan, the project presenter, told the board the construction is complete and that the remaining work waits on customers to sign up for service and for contractors to set taps along Spring Branch Road, Pretty Hall Road, Paul Loop and Highway 87. A commissioner moved to approve the change order, a second was received, and the motion carried by voice vote.

Board members and staff emphasized that the construction agreement with Kamors is part of a county partnership to address local water issues. A county representative said staff will get with county finance and Kamors to ensure final payments are processed and to continue partnership discussions around PFAS-related problems affecting citizens.

Separately, staff reported a recent raw-water test at the Lisbon well measured 1.5 parts per million and noted that ‘‘that can’t be treated with just phosphate alone’’ and will require a filtration system — an expense the board acknowledged will be substantial. Commissioners urged continued monitoring and cautioned against assuming the problem is fully solved.

The board directed staff to follow up with Kamors and county finance to finalize payments and to return with next steps for addressing water-quality actions, including capital or treatment planning for wells needing filtration.