The Ashland Board of Commissioners approved several water and wastewater measures intended to prepare the city for forthcoming regulatory limits on PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and to advance wastewater infrastructure improvements.

A professional services agreement with Hazen & Sawyer for a carbon feasibility study was approved in an amount not to exceed $129,410. Utilities staff described the work as a study to determine whether powdered activated carbon is an effective treatment for the city’s source water and to identify feed rates and site location. "We have a compliance date of 2029 to be able to remove our PFAS levels in our drinking water down to a certain level," a utilities staff member said, noting the study will confirm whether the proposed carbon system will meet those limits.

The commission also authorized the mayor to submit a $2 million application to the Appalachian Regional Commission for wastewater treatment plant improvements and approved a resolution to accept up to $874,130 in loan funds from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority for the Ashland‑Levi service‑line inventory and assessment project (project F24‑056L).

Engineering staff presented and the commission approved change order No. 3 for the Carr Street/Packard Avenue/Iroquois Avenue sanitary sewer replacement project, increasing that contract by $2,099.

Officials said much of the planning is preparatory. Utilities staff noted the EPA enforcement date is currently 2029, though staff said they had heard there is a possibility the EPA could extend the date to 2031. The feasibility study will evaluate treatment options and said existing jar testing and sampling the division had already completed may reduce study costs.

Why it matters: The actions move the city toward compliance with emerging national drinking‑water standards for PFAS and advance wastewater plant and service‑line assessments that can unlock state and federal funding.

Details: The Hazen & Sawyer agreement is framed as a feasibility study, not a construction contract, and could be adjusted if results indicate a different treatment approach. The ARC application and KIA loan are applications and assistance agreements to fund capital projects; officials said KIA funding could reimburse some work.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with the Hazen & Sawyer study, finalize the ARC grant application and begin the service‑line inventory work under the KIA agreement if funds are made available.