ROCKINGHAM – The Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing National Lineman (Line Worker) Appreciation Day, accepted a wastewater grant and authorized a legal settlement during its April meeting.
The board unanimously approved a proclamation honoring line workers with National Lineman (Line Worker) Appreciation Day, observed annually on April 18.
In addition, commissioners approved acceptance of a AIA wastewater grant to fund an asset study of the Cordova sewer system.
Public Works Director Jerry Austin Jr., who applied for the grant last fall, said the funding will support evaluation efforts with an engineering firm.
“The grant is for $150,000 to do a asset study on the Cordova sewer system and we are utilizing LKC as our engineer to help facilitate that and I ask for your approval to accept this grant,” said Austin.
Austin noted that the county has secured multiple infrastructure-related grants in recent years.
“We got a half a million dollar grant for lead service line program, we got $300,000 for, same situation, but for the water system, and this is for Cordova sewer. So, $950,000 for around two years,” Austin said.
The board also approved participation in a class action settlement tied to PFOA and PFOS contamination litigation, which Austin said he has been working on for more than two years.
“In May of 24, the EPA published its final ruling designating two compounds, PFOA and PFOS, as hazard substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation Liability Act. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances which are large family of thousands of synthetic manmade chemicals. These chemicals were manufactured by companies such as DuPont, 3M and Chemours. They are used to repel grease and water, used in nonstick cookware, teflon, water-resistant fabrics like yoga pants, stain-resistant carpets, food packaging, food uh- fast-food wrappers, uh and fire-fighting foam, which is the leading cause of the supposed uh issue with PFO/PFOS,” Austin said.
“PFAs are also found in water, soil, air and studies suggesting that practically everybody has PFAs in their system, based on what they’re used for in the past 40-50 years,” said Austin.
Austin said while many PFAS compounds have been phased out since the early 2000s, monitoring and regulation efforts continue. He noted testing requirements are part of the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, with expanded requirements set to take into effect in the coming years.
“In 2027, all systems must include public notification with information on detective levels and annual consumer certification report, which is the CCR report. This report can be found on the Richmond County webpage under water services,” Austin said.
He added that full compliance with maximum contaminant levels is required by 2031.
“Water systems have until then to implement treatment solutions if the drinking water exceeds the set MCL, which is currently four parts per trillion. Post 2031, any system exceeding the limits, must take immediate corrective action and notify the public of any violation exceeding the EPA set limit of four parts per trillion,” said Austin.
According to Austin, current testing shows the county remains below federal thresholds.
“We’ve got test results from 2024 and our levels are well below the 4 parts per trillion, as required by the EPA,” said Austin.
“These funds for this settlement are specifically for the Public Water System. They can’t be intermingled with general fund money,” Austin said.
Austin said the county is set to receive an initial payment along with additional funds over time.
“…allow us to accept the current settlement in the amount of $1, 109, 976.21, with additional payouts over the next eight years, yearly…totaling over $850, 000 over the next eight years. So we’re looking at close to two million dollars that we’re gonna set aside should we see any issues in our system,” said Austin.
Commissioner Justin Dawkins asked if the city of Rockingham or Hamlet had received similar settlements.
“It would be just good to know… they manage a lot of our wastewater within the county,” Dawkins said.