Commission endorses advisory approval for Martinsburg authority PFAS treatment plant as funding timeline approaches

The Blair County Planning Commission reviewed and approved an advisory recommendation on May 28 for a Martinsburg Municipal Authority proposal to construct an additional treatment plant designed to remove PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from the water system.

Tom Gizon of Steuart Consulting Group described the proposed facility as an enclosed, roughly 2,000‑square‑foot structure sited adjacent to the existing treatment plant at 520 Butternut Street in North Woodberry Township. Gizon told commissioners that improving water quality to reduce PFAS concentrations aligns with the county comprehensive plan’s public‑health goals. He also noted that specialized reviews (engineering, hydrogeologic, permitting) are beyond the county’s land‑development scope and should be undertaken by the relevant technical reviewers.

Commission members asked whether the site is inside an FAA airport hazard area; staff said they did not recall that issue appearing in prior due diligence but agreed to check and return additional details. Gizon reported the applicant has applied for PennVest funding and expects a funding response in July; if funded, procurement and construction activities would likely be scheduled later in the year with a multi‑month implementation timeline.

The commission approved the advisory review by voice vote. The approval is advisory and contingent on the applicant obtaining required township, Conservation District, and technical/permitting approvals; the transcript records no roll‑call tally. Staff noted the FAA question and PennVest funding timeline as outstanding items for applicant and township follow‑up.