Ramsey Water Department submits projects for PFAS treatment funding to New Jersey I Bank

The Borough of Ramsey Mayor and Council Meeting held on May 28, 2025, focused on critical water quality issues, particularly concerning per and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) and lead service line replacements.

The meeting began with a discussion on PFAS, a group of chemicals used in various products for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. The Mayor highlighted the importance of adhering to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's water quality limits, which directly affect the borough's water supply. H2M, the borough's architectural and engineering firm, is collaborating with the Ramsey Water Department to explore treatment options at several well treatment facilities, including those located on Arrow Road and at Darlington, Brookfield, North Central, and Spring Street.

The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I Bank) was mentioned as a key player in funding projects aimed at addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water. The I Bank provides low-interest loans to municipalities for environmental infrastructure improvements, including PFAS treatment. The Mayor noted that the Arrow Road project was submitted for I Bank consideration in August 2024, while the other projects were submitted in February 2025. The I Bank is currently reviewing the borough's environmental planning documents.

Additionally, the Bureau of Public Works is actively planning and implementing the lead service line replacement initiative mandated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This legislation requires the replacement of all lead service lines in the water system by the year 2031.

The meeting concluded with an update on the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for 2025. H2M is finalizing this report, which will summarize the 2024 drinking water quality data. The report indicates that there were no water quality violations during the previous year. A postcard will be mailed to residents in June, informing them that the full report will be available on the Ramsey website starting July 1, in compliance with NJDEP requirements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the borough's commitment to improving water quality and infrastructure, with ongoing projects aimed at addressing PFAS contamination and lead service line replacements.