In 2019, Maysville was notified of dangerously high levels of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in its water supply. Maysville relies on a single well that pumps groundwater from an aquifer and produces around 70,000 gallons of potable water (drinking water) daily for its approximately 450 customers. When PFAS was detected, the Town’s access to fresh water was cut off – forcing the Town to contract with nearby Jones County for water.
Maysville turned to TRC, a leading, global consulting, engineering and construction management firm, for help.
“We partnered with the Town to determine the best solution for removing PFAS from the water so Maysville could once again provide clean drinking water to its citizens,” said Steve Gandy, Chief Engineer – Utilities for TRC. “We also worked closely with the Town to secure grants to help fund the PFAS treatment.
One of those grants came from the Environmental Protection Agency, which announced the availability of $2 billion in funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC). These grants are designed to promote access to safe and clean water in small, rural and disadvantaged communities while supporting local economies.
TRC also helped secure North Carolina General Assembly and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as well as an emergency grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“TRC was instrumental in helping us get this project across the finish line,” said Maysville Mayor Wayne Sayland. “Continuing to purchase water was not economically feasible for our Town. Every town depends on clean water and losing our water plant would restrict our ability to attract new development and grow.”
The water treatment system reopened on Dec. 31, 2023.