Tucson Water Targets New PFAS Limits; Roadrunners Aim to Stay on Local Ice

Tucson Water is preparing to implement new guidelines for “forever chemicals,” in response to updated federal limits. In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established new thresholds for several perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), which have tainted parts of Tucson’s water system. The new standards are enforceable by 2029 and include five specific compounds.

PFAS contamination in Tucson originates partly from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Tucson International Airport, where these chemicals were used in firefighting foam. The cleanup and monitoring efforts are currently underway with state and federal involvement.

Failure to meet EPA standards by the deadline would result in the EPA demanding a plan for compliance. Technology plays a significant role in achieving these standards, which are updated as more advanced filtration methods emerge. The goal is always to keep drinking water safe, however, achieving these standards can be challenging.

Of particular concern is one PFAS compound for which the target is 10 parts per trillion, while Tucson is projected to reach 200,000 parts per trillion in five years. The city is yet to provide a detailed explanation for this significant disparity.

In another news, the Tucson City Council is voting on a lease extension with the Tucson Roadrunners hockey team. The deal would extend the team’s stay through 2027. The Roadrunners, a farm team for the Arizona Coyotes, were initially planned to be moved to Phoenix, but those plans seem to have changed.

Under the proposed deal, the Rio Nuevo District will pay half the team’s licensing fees and the Roadrunners will cover $350,000 in annual rent. The negotiation also includes additional parking spots for team employees and the elimination of a per-ticket fee. The Roadrunners will play six games in the Phoenix area, up from five.

The City Council will also discuss the growing homelessness issue in Tucson. An online dashboard allows citizens to report homeless encampments, which are then assessed by city teams to provide necessary services. Since February, 300 locations have been deemed high-problem camps, leading to 479 immediate removals since October 2022.

Efforts are being made to transition social work to reduce police involvement in removing homeless camps. However, significant police action was required to clear the “100-Acre Wood” site recently, removing 55 tons of debris.

On the agenda is also the redistricting plans for the City Council wards. Although the next decennial census is in 2030, the council aims to reconcile conflicting goals within the redistricting process, particularly balancing consistent ward lines with adequate representation for various populations.

Additionally, the council will hear from the Arts Foundation of Tucson and Southern Arizona, and Michael Townsend, the executive director of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. Townsend will address issues related to the city’s pension system, which was severely impacted by the Great Recession.

At the meeting, the council will vote on approving two Government Property Lease Excise Tax agreements (GPLET) with developers. One project at 941 N. Stone Ave. involves mixed-use development expected to bring in substantial tax revenue, while another aims to revive the Hotel Arizona property with a new Hyatt Regency Hotel at 181 E. Broadway.

The Oro Valley Town Council will discuss addressing the “missing middle” in housing, aiming to provide clearer standards for affordable housing projects such as condominiums and townhouses. The objective is to provide certainty in the town code to streamline approval processes.

In Marana, the council will deliberate on a development agreement for the 2,509-home Saguaro Bloom project. This agreement includes the developer paying half the costs for necessary road construction upfront, with some money being reimbursed through impact fees.

Down in Santa Cruz County, the Board of Supervisors is set to approve its fiscal year 2024-25 budget. The $159 million budget includes an $18 million increase in spending, with a slight reduction in property taxes. Additionally, the Nogales City Council may vote on the termination of Fire Chief Jefferey Sargent, who is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The Nogales City Council will also discuss corrective actions required by an audit, although specifics were not provided. Amidst these local issues, the small staff at the Nogales International newspaper remains vigilant, covering this hotspot of journalistic activity.