Councillor Fuhrman raises concerns over PFAS treatment costs and environmental impact

The Sedona City Council meeting held on July 9, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding water treatment methods and associated costs, particularly concerning PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) management. The meeting began with council members reviewing the financial implications of various water treatment options, emphasizing the importance of understanding all potential costs involved.

A key point raised was whether the estimated costs included expenses related to the disposal of treated materials, such as incineration, and the environmental impact of these processes. Councillor Fuhrman highlighted concerns about the environmental consequences of incineration, prompting a discussion on the need for comprehensive cost assessments that factor in all operational aspects, including staffing and media change-out for treatment systems.

The council reviewed planning-level cost estimates, which included a 30% contingency and acknowledged a potential variance of plus or minus 50%. This led to inquiries about the cost per gallon for current water treatment processes, with a commitment to provide this information for comparison.

Additionally, the council discussed the necessity of pilot-scale testing for the proposed treatment methods to ensure their effectiveness with Sedona's specific water quality. This testing is crucial to validate engineering calculations and determine the most suitable approach for PFAS treatment.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that the decision to implement PFAS treatment may ultimately be mandated by state regulations, underscoring the importance of proactive planning and assessment by the council. The discussions highlighted the complexity of water treatment management and the need for thorough evaluation of both costs and environmental impacts as Sedona moves forward with its water quality initiatives.