January 19, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department of Health finds low levels of PFBA in Woodbury wells

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has found trace levels of perfluorobutanoic acid in water samples taken from Woodbury's municipal wells. The chemical, known as PFBA, is one of a family of chemicals known as perfluorochemicals or PFCs.

The level of PFBA detected in Woodbury wells is less than 0.5 parts per billion (ppb). The sampling and analysis by MDH confirmed the presence of PFBA at all 16 of the city's wells. The level ranged from 0.10 ppb to 0.47 ppb.

"The Department of Health has stated that finding the chemical at these low levels does not pose an immediate health risk for our residents and businesses," said Engineering and Public Works Director David Jessup. "However, the finding does mean that we need to proceed cautiously, continue our monitoring, and work closely with public health officials in informing residents."

Jessup said that the city will be meeting with the MDH in the coming weeks to learn more about the findings and their implications for Woodbury and neighboring communities where PFBA also was detected. The city will be sending more detailed information to all residents in the February City Update newsletter. In addition, an informational meeting will be scheduled as soon as possible to give the public an opportunity to learn more and ask questions. Details regarding the meeting date and location will be included in the city newsletter and also posted on the Web site at www.ci.woodbury.mn.us.

PFCs were made and used by several companies around the world in household and industrial products such as stain repellents, lubricants, fire retardant and suppressants, and more. PFBA was made locally by the 3M Company at its facility in Cottage Grove.

Woodbury's wells have been tested for PFCs since 2004, when low levels of two different PFCs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were detected in Lake Elmo. In 2005, the two chemicals also were detected in several city wells in Oakdale. Neither of these substances has been detected in Woodbury wells; only PFBA has been detected in recent tests.

MDH has been using the measure of 1.0 ppb as a temporary guideline for PFBA, and Woodbury's levels are less than half of that advisory.

For more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Health Environmental Health Division at (651) 201-4897, or visit the MDH Web site at www.health.state.mn.us.

Woodbury residents can direct questions to the Public Works Department at (651) 714-3593.

-30-

Return to Press Releases