Franklin Gets Help on PFAS

The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s Board of Trustees formally approved $96,541,936 in new low-interest loans and grants at its meeting on November 6, 2024.

The town will be able to borrow $5,563,933 for PFAS treatment a  Well 7/7A PFAS at zero interest.

DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi said,  these are the only wells in Franklin at this time that have levels above DEP standards. "This work has already been bid out and will be commencing shortly and we just had a neighborhood meeting," he added. 

Water and Sewer Director, Doug Martin, said the town was aware of the award earlier, announcing it online in late September. Construction of the Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility Addition will be getting underway soon. The project is expected to be completed by January 2026.The project includes the construction of an on-site treatment facility that will house granular activated carbon (GAC) pressure vessels and associated ancillary equipment as an addition onto the Well 7/7A pump station. In December 2020, the detected PFAS concentrations exceeding the MCL occurred, therefore use of the well was discontinued at that time. This project will benefit the Town by reducing the PFAS at Well No. 7/7A to below the regulated limits for continued use of this important water source in the Franklin system, he said in a statement.

The Trust, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), helps communities build or replace water infrastructure that enhances ground and surface water resources, ensures the safety of drinking water, protects public health and develops resilient communities. It accomplishes these objectives by providing low-interest loans and grants to cities, towns and water utilities through the Massachusetts State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The SRF programs are partnerships between the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. SRFs function like an environmental infrastructure bank by financing water infrastructure projects in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.