Opinion: Contaminated Drinking Water Efforts Need Update

Anderson Park's two wells are contaminated with PFAS "forever chemical."  So far, the City hasn't done any noticeable work to remediate the contamination.  This is a photo I took years ago - by

PFAS contaminated of Redmond’s drinking water. I’ve submitted written questions to City staff (through Redmond’s online Request for Service) and wish to summarize them here.

1.      Has the City conducted a formal investigation to identify the source of PFOS and PFBS detections at Wells 1 and 2, given that Redmond’s groundwater monitoring program (early warning system) is committed to source identification?

2.      During the two years following the August 2013 All Wood Recycling fire, was PFAS testing done at any sentinel monitoring wells between the All Wood Recycling site (currently DTG Recycle) and Redmond’s supply wells?

3.      Has the City obtained any PFAS soil or groundwater testing at the Evans Creek Relocation Project site, which is partially within the DTG site and sits upgradient of the supply wells?

4.      Has the City contacted the Department of Ecology, King County, or DTG Recycle to request PFAS testing of that site and adjacent soils?

5.      The City's monitoring data shows a slowly rising PFOS trend at Wells 1 and 2, with emerging detections at other wells. What is the operational response to a contamination problem that is worsening rather than stabilizing?

6.      And what is the projected timeline for wellhead treatment design, permitting, and construction at Wells 1 & 2? What interim public health protections are in place right now?

These questions deserve prompt, specific answers.

-- David Morton, PhD