Port of Walla Walla Commission

I was present at this meeting, but had to leave early.

John Wells of Anderson Perry appeared in person to discuss the water system in Burbank business park that is about 16 years old and was put in place to treat the nitrates that were expected in the ground water. The nitrate concerns never did occur at levels that were concerning, however the arsenic levels did. And it just so happens this system does help offset the arsenic levels in this area. It does reduce arsenic levels by about 50% or 13parts per billion. They found some other contamination including PFOS. All of the wells in this are shallow (100) feet and they are all contaminated. PFOS is very difficult to detect as it is measured in parts per trillion or ppt which is about one drop inside of the Exxon Valdez.

There are filters for PFOS—some have been tested, some have not. In short, there are a few options available ranging in cost from 1.1 million dollars, for a “rehab stop gap measure to buy some time” all the way up to 7.7 million dollars for a metallic removal system included and getting the system up to full capacity. The whole purpose of this discussion is that the existing system is reaching the end of its useful life, the options presented here will help the port to continue to provide a higher quality, safe water supply in the future. Wastewater generated from the process of filtration will actually be added to the sewer system, as it is good for the sewer treatment process and it needs a place to go anyway. The existing water filtration system was installed in 2009, with a 20-year life span anticipated. It could fail at any time and be a costly and urgent repair. In the meantime, an inter-tie with Burbank water system provides a safety net buying time to allow getting the permits and water rights to drill another well, lead time is 6 to 18 months. The commissioners have a tough decision to make here, but they are getting some very good advice and guidance from well-qualified (no pun intended) consultants and staff. I’d also like to that point out that the engineering consultants last name is “Wells”, how could they go wrong? It sounds like they are going to pursue option #4 which entails drilling a deep basalt well and blending the water with the lower quality water from the shallow wells in the area to achieve the desired water quality. Another water project in the pipeline for Burbank, (again no pun intended) includes doubling the water storage capacity by adding to the existing water tank.

       Next up a report from Jennifer Skoglund about the storm water conveyance system. A new lease is required for the drainage that crosses land south of Isaacs where the old K-Mart was and a new apartment building is being built. The authorization was approved for the ED to enter negotiation with Imron for the 50yr land lease.

Reported by Craig Woodard