East Metro Residents' Levels of PFCs Decline Significantly

Efforts to rid east metro drinking water of chemicals produced by 3M seem to be working, according to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Testing shows that the levels of three perfluorochemicals present in the bodies of residents of Oakdale, Lake Elmo and Cottage Grove have declined significantly since 2008, the release says.

On average:

• Levels of PFOS decreased 26 percent
• Levels of PFOA decreased 21 percent
• Levels of PFHxS decreased 13 percent

In response to the discovery of the chemicals in Oakdale’s drinking water, large carbon filtration units were installed at the city’s water treatment plant, according to the release. Homes with private wells in the contaminated area were either connected to city water or given carbon filtration devices.

Minnesota Health Commissioner Edward Ehlinger, said the results are a testament to what can be accomplished when state agencies, governments, businesses and citizens collaborate.

“While these results are encouraging, we would like to see the levels continue to decline,” he said. “We expect that will occur.”

A meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at to discuss the results.