Consultants tell Whitelaw PFAS likely from hauler cross-contamination; DNR requires sampler relocation

Representatives from Donohue & Associates told the Village of Whitelaw Utility Committee on July 6 that recent PFAS detections are likely the result of hauler cross-contamination rather than a community source.

Donohue representatives explained that R&S hauls both leachate and EIP water using the same tanker and that residual material may have introduced PFAS into the village’s influent. The committee heard that Public Works Director Jerry Linsmeier has already restricted haulers to domestic holding tank waste only as an interim mitigation step.

Donohue told the committee that PFAS testing costs about $1,200–$1,400 per sample and outlined DNR guidance (not yet codified) for sludge land application thresholds: less than 20 parts per trillion (ppt) allows normal land application; 20–50 ppt requires notifying the landowner; 50–120 ppt limits land application plus notification; and greater than 150 ppt prohibits land application and requires costly disposal.

The committee also reviewed a Department of Natural Resources requirement to relocate the influent sampler from the wet well to the fine screen by Sept. 30, 2026. Moving the sampler will require new power and signal wiring and assistance from contractor P.J. Kortens; committee members discussed the possibility of negotiating an extended timeline with the DNR.

Donohue said it can assist the village with PFAS source tracking, minimization planning, facility planning and future rerate studies as the village navigates DNR expectations.

The committee did not take a formal vote on a specific PFAS contract at the July 6 meeting; next steps include sampling now that the permit cycle reset July 1 and further planning with Donohue and contractors.