Orange County NC Website
14 <br /> Ruth Rouse said she is not sure what Wake County does, but OWASA uses carbon. <br /> Todd Taylor said PFAS chemicals are monitored for, and are present, in Cane Creek. <br /> He said OWASA's treatment techniques are effective at controlling the levels, primarily due to <br /> the carbon that is used to treat the water. He said any water from Jordan Lake would be <br /> treated to meet drinking water standards, prior to OWASA being willing to receive it. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she had a memory of a quarry project not coming online for <br /> 30 years. She asked if there was another part of the quarry that has not yet come online. <br /> Ruth Rouse said there is an expanded quarry project adjacent to the current quarry, of <br /> which Commissioner Greene might be thinking. She said this will increase the supply when it <br /> comes online. <br /> Commissioner Greene discussed the quality of Cane Creek Reservoir and said Jordan <br /> Lake was not created to be a drinking water source. She said, historically, community leaders <br /> felt it should not be used as a water source unless absolutely necessary. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason why the quarry water is too clean to <br /> treat. <br /> Todd Taylor said the treatment process is predicated on having cloudiness to the water, <br /> so the particles can settle. He said when water is pulled from quarry it needs to be mixed with <br /> water from other reservoirs. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said the most cost effective has been chosen, but asked if more <br /> details could be provided. <br /> Ruth Rouse said OWASA would evaluate other options besides Jordan Lake, such as <br /> partnering with neighboring counties for an intake plant, and using mutual aid agreements in <br /> advance of drought. She said a third option is to look at a new agreement with neighboring <br /> counties, where Orange County would make an annual payment to have access to a plant. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if OWASA had decided on an alternative. <br /> Ruth Rouse said no, and no option is off the table. <br /> Commissioner Greene asked if the decision maker could be identified. <br /> Ruth Rouse said staff makes recommendations, which are presented to the <br /> communities for feedback, and then the OWASA board will decide how to move forward. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked if there are any agreements with Hillsborough and <br /> Alamance County. <br /> Ruth Rouse said there are mutual aid agreements with Hillsborough and Chatham <br /> County. She said Hillsborough does not have much excess capacity right now. She said <br /> Durham currently provides the best access to more water. <br /> Chair Price thanked the OWASA representatives, and encouraged other Commissioners <br /> to tour the OWASA properties. <br /> 5. Public Hearings <br /> None <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to <br /> recess the meeting 4 minutes. <br /> Roll call ensued <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> RECONVENE THE MEETING <br />