Pennellville, NY - Water Project

Community Background

A mobile home park community consists of approximately 250 people in about 80 mobile homes. The park is privately owned by a local family, and operates a regulated community public water system. The water system was initially developed and constructed in the 1960’s with the park’s original development. It was designed for 180 lots, but that population has declined since the early 2000’s, and is not expected to reach 100 occupied homes in the foreseeable future.

Community Need

No water meters are currently in place. The best current estimates of total park water use are 16,000-20,000 gallons per day (GPD). Four drilled groundwater wells are on the park’s property in well houses and pits. Water sources are mixed and disinfected with chlorine bleach in a treatment barn. Much of the original distribution system is still in use, consisting of galvanized steel and copper pipe. Wastewater is treated on site with multiple site-scattered septic tanks, an effluent collection system and at least nine seepage pits. Since 2021, the park has been subject to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) sampling requirements from New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), initially required to sample quarterly from each individual water source prior to mixing. One well has shown consistent levels of PFOA and PFOS each above 10 ppt (NYSDOH MCL) and was taken out of service in 2022. A second well has shown consistent levels of PFOA, PFOS and other PFAS each above 4 ppt (EPA proposed MCL) and occasional results above 10 ppt. The remaining two wells have tested above proposed EPA limits but more often are below 4 ppt or results are non-detectable. However, these two wells may not be productive enough to supply the park’s water demand. All four wells show detections of 1,4-dioxane below 1 ppb (NYSDOH MCL).

Project Team Needs

The park needs a licensed engineer to determine and evaluate alternatives and costs associated with the treatment and removal of PFAS substances from the groundwater supply to comply with NYSDOH standards. The local health department has requested that the park submit Professional Engineering Plans showing a proposed treatment system by March 31, 2024, though this date will be negotiated with the county.

CECorps is seeking an engineer with minimum of four years of water supply experience and familiarity with PFAS treatment. Experience working in New York State is a plus, but not required.