East metro communities look at 3 plans to improve water quality after contamination

There are 14 east metro communities impacted by chemicals that have been found in the groundwater, West Lakeland Township is one of them.

Mary families have new water filtration systems in her house as a result, but more upgrades like a new treatment plant and two new wells connecting nearly 2,000 homes, could be coming to the community.

"They will have a complete system that will take care of purifying all of the water in West Lakeland Township, absolutely, it will be a game changer," said Mary, a resident.

The state sued 3M after it was discovered chemicals the company used to manufacture things like non-stick cookware and fire extinguishers, and then disposed of, leaked into the groundwater.

There is now $700 million available as a result of a settlement that will allow communities to upgrade water filtration systems, wells and build new water systems.

Agencies outline 3 drinking water protection options for east metro following settlement with 3M

"In a number of these communities there are large changes, for example, in Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, Oakdale and Woodbury, they have large municipal systems where large treatment plants could be built, so that would be a big construction project in that area," said Kirk Koudelka, Assistant Commissioner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

There were 19 plans earlier this spring that has been narrowed down to three.

"The goal is to make sure all 14 communities be sure they have drinking water into the future," Koudelka said.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is now looking for public feedback from communities and residents through Dec. 10, 2020.

"It will be wonderful to have this taken care of, bing, bang, boom, done," added Mary.

There was a meeting in Oakdale Tuesday night to discuss the three options, no decision is expected on the Conceptual Drinking Water Supply until spring 2021, with any work on projects starting after that.