St. Cloud's PFAS Approach
PFAS is prevalent throughout the environment. This page will be updated with future developments.
What is PFAS?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that are very stable and do not break down in the environment; they have been named ‘forever chemicals’. This group of chemicals are lab created and have commonly been used since the 1940s. There are over 5,000 PFAS compounds. Commonly tested types of PFAS include PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA.
PFAS are widespread in manufacturing due to their heat, water and grease resistance. These products include firefighting foam, items with non-stick coatings, food packages, makeup, and waterproof clothing – among many others.
People are exposed to PFAS through many pathways, including ingestion (eating or drinking), inhalation (breathing in) and absorption (through the skin). PFAS exposure can occur through contact with contaminated air, soil or water and by direct exposure to everyday products.
This contact can include things like:
- Using products that contain PFAS.
- Makeup.
- Dental floss.
- Water repellant clothing – e.g. raincoats, waterproof shoes.
- Water repellant spray used for carpet, clothing and furniture.
- Nonstick cookware – e.g. frying pans, cookie sheets.
- Eating foods packaged in containers made with PFAS – e.g. fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags.
- Eating fish from PFAS contaminated water.
- Drinking liquids that have been stored in containers made with PFAS.
- Drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
- Swimming in water that has PFAS.
PFAS concentrations are commonly expressed in part per trillion (ppt). A drop in an Olympic sized swimming pool would be equivalent to 1 ppt. PFAS has been found in groundwater and surface water in Minnesota. The state of Minnesota has developed a plan to address the concerns of PFAS related adverse health conditions and illnesses.
PFAS has been in use for decades, but this family of chemicals are called ‘emerging contaminants’ because it is only in recent years that we have started to learn how PFAS impact the environment and human health.
Regulations
As more is learned about the effects of PFAS, regulations are being considered to protect public health and the environment. Guidelines and regulations are being developed at all levels of government:
At the local level, cities are working to identify industrial sources of PFAS and to develop strategies to reduce the amount of PFAS being used. Learn more about how you can help reduce PFAS use in the ‘Reduce Your Exposure’ section below.
At the state level, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) are working to address PFAS. MDH is conducting monitoring in drinking water supplies and has issued Health Based Values (amount of chemical that is not likely to risk human health) for common PFAS chemicals. The MPCA has developed the Minnesota PFAS Blueprint and is beginning work to support Amara’s Law , which will ban non-essential PFAS use.
At the federal level, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has developed a PFAS Strategic Roadmap. This plan outlines a multiyear approach to advance research and treatment options; reduce PFAS release into the environment and cleanup PFAS that is already there. Learn more about the PFAS Strategic Roadmap here. In April 2024, The EPA finalized drinking water regulations for six PFAS. Learn more about the PFAS drinking water regulations here.
Public Utilities
Drinking Water
There are thousands of different PFAS compounds. These chemicals can sometimes be found in drinking water because of their widespread use. The City of St. Cloud uses the Mississippi River as it’s drinking water source. PFAS can get into the river by the water that flows to the river and from recreational vehicles such as jet skis and boats. PFAS has not been detected above levels of concern in St. Cloud’s drinking water supply.
One of the most common treatment techniques used for PFAS removal in drinking water is carbon filtration. The St. Cloud Water Treatment Facility uses carbon filtration for all drinking water before it distributed for use throughout the City. MDH has monitored for PFAS in the Mississippi River and St. Cloud’s drinking water. Current data shows that St. Cloud is below all proposed PFAS drinking water regulations.
* Compound was not detected; the test limit value is displayed. **Hazard Index Ratio is calculated using four PFAS compounds: 3 of 4 compounds were not detected, but the test limit was used in calculation.
Wastewater
PFAS is widely used in household and industrial products. Wastewater leaving residences, businesses, and industries within a community will eventually end up at a wastewater treatment facility bringing PFAS with it. Current wastewater treatment practices in the St. Cloud area do not remove or destroy PFAS.
Wastewater treatment facilities are receivers of PFAS; they are not sources of PFAS. No PFAS is added during treatment. Cities are being tasked with reducing PFAS in both liquid and solid wastes from the wastewater received at the wastewater facility. The best ways to address PFAS in wastes is to not use it in the first place.
St. Cloud is working cooperatively with other cities and the MPCA to find sources of PFAS. The City will help industries to find replacement products or determine treatment options at businesses that are using PFAS containing products.
The graphs below represent samples taken as part of St. Cloud's collaboration with MPCA. Threshold values proposed by the MPCA are not enforceable and are used to determine next steps to reduce PFAS.
Influent is wastewater entering the St. Cloud NEW RF from the five surrounding contract cities and St. Cloud.
Influent is wastewater entering the St. Cloud NEW RF from the five surrounding contract cities and St. Cloud.
Influent is wastewater entering the St. Cloud NEW RF from the five surrounding contract cities and St. Cloud.
Stormwater
All precipitation (rain or storm) that falls on city streets, private residences and public land is considered stormwater. In St. Cloud, stormwater moves through the storm drain system and discharges into local waterways with limited treatment. Stormwater can be contaminated if it comes in contact with PFAS before it lands on the ground. PFAS sources include business air vents, airports, and metals or car recycling and many other sources.
Current stormwater treatment practices in the St. Cloud area do not remove or destroy PFAS. St. Cloud is not currently monitoring stormwater for PFAS. The City will work cooperatively with the MPCA as monitoring or sampling requirements are developed.
Treating PFAS
PFAS stay in the environment because they are very stable. This feature makes them appealing for use in various industry and consumer goods but makes treatment hard and costly. Treatments generally target separating, destroying, or transforming PFAS compounds.
Work is being completed to find other treatments, but the following list shows some options:
- Liquid treatment – this includes stormwater, drinking water, wastewater and leachate from landfills.
- High Pressure Membrane Filtration (RO)
- Ion-Exchange (IE)
- Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC)
- Solids treatment – this includes biosolids and soils.
- High Temperature Destruction (without oxygen)
- High Temperature Destruction (with oxygen)
- Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO)
Addressing PFAS in St. Cloud
The City has been proactive in responding to PFAS concerns.
City staff have been a part of many different task forces and educational work groups to develop opportunities to address PFAS concerns.
Some examples of the City’s actions taken include, but are not limited to:
- The City has installed advanced drinking water treatment for removing contaminants like PFAS.
- The Mayor signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the MPCA and volunteered to conduct wastewater sampling for PFAS.
- The City has been following the MPCA’s PFAS Blueprint Guidance Document.
- The City is completing sampling at the wastewater facility and throughout the City, which is above and beyond recommendations by the MPCA, to identify potential sources of PFAS.
- The City continues to ensure Biosolids are the highest quality possible and follow best management practices above and beyond regulations. The City’s Biosolids Management Program has been recognized nationally. The City is platinum level certified through the National Biosolids Partnership .
- The City is using an advanced biosolids processing technology called Lystek to generate a Class A Biosolids product.
- The City is partnering with 374Water, University of St. Thomas, University of Minnesota and Barr Engineering to pilot a new technology that may have the potential to destroy PFAS. This technology is called super critical water oxidation. The pilot is scheduled for Summer 2025.
Reduce Your Exposure
As a consumer, being aware of, and learning about PFAS chemicals is the first step to limit direct exposure. Take time to read product labels and make informed purchasing choices. Keep in mind, products may still have PFAS even if the label doesn’t say it, because manufacturers don’t always have to put it on the label.
Below is a list of quick and simple ways to limit PFAS in everyday life. This list is not comprehensive and completing your own research is always advisable.
- If the label contains PTFE or “perfluor” on the list, Consider a different product.
- Supporting manufacturers that keep their products PFAS free - look for “PTFE”, “PFOA” or “PFOS” free on the label.
- Replacing non-stick cookware for other materials.
- Avoid foods that have grease -proof packaging – fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take out containers, etc.
- Look for cosmetic and hygiene products that are known to be PFAS free.
- Avoid stain, water, or oil resistant coatings in products.
- Check sources for fish consumption warnings.
The US EPA has a guide to learn more ways to reduce PFAS exposure.
Reference the image link for values obtained on the graphic.
