EPA grant of $1 million will aid effort to develop Nasonville water system – NRI NOW

Burrillville Secures $1 Million EPA Grant for Nasonville Water System Project

Introduction

The town of Burrillville has obtained a $1 million grant to support the Nasonville Water System project, a significant step toward addressing water contamination issues in the community. Although this amount represents a small fraction of the total project cost, it plays a crucial role in advancing the initiative.

Funding Source and Purpose

• The grant is provided through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program.
• Administration of the grant is managed by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.
• Funding is part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, targeting the mitigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

Project Background and Objectives

The Nasonville Village area suffers from multiple small public water systems contaminated with PFAS, posing risks to safe drinking water. The project aims to:

1. Develop new, PFAS-free water sources.
2. Construct a municipal water storage and distribution system including a 500,000-gallon elevated water storage tank.
3. Consolidate multiple existing community public water systems affected by PFAS contamination.
4. Address contamination threats to potentially hundreds of private residential wells.
5. Connect and consolidate with another small community public water system to expand access to high-quality water sources.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The project directly contributes to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by mitigating PFAS contamination and improving water infrastructure.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By providing safe drinking water, the initiative protects community health from harmful chemical exposure.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The development of modern water infrastructure supports sustainable industrial and community development.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing water systems promotes resilient and sustainable urban and rural communities.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaboration between federal agencies, state infrastructure banks, and local government exemplifies effective partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

Community Impact and Economic Development

The water system project is a foundational element of a long-term redevelopment plan by the Burrillville Redevelopment Agency aimed at revitalizing Nasonville Village. Infrastructure improvements like this are considered essential for economic growth and community well-being.

Project Cost and Future Outlook

• Preliminary cost estimates for the well development and water distribution system are approximately $25 million.
• The $1 million grant will facilitate detailed engineering design, representing a critical first step toward project implementation.
• Town officials express optimism about progressing the project despite challenges and emphasize prioritizing water infrastructure over less critical expenditures.

Conclusion

The EPA grant awarded to Burrillville for the Nasonville Water System project marks a significant advancement in addressing environmental contamination and promoting sustainable development. The initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring access to clean water, protecting public health, and fostering resilient infrastructure to support community revitalization.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on addressing PFAS contamination in water systems and improving access to safe drinking water in the Nasonville Village area.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By mitigating water contamination, the project aims to protect human health from harmful chemicals like PFAS.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The development of new water infrastructure, including water storage and distribution systems, supports sustainable infrastructure development.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The project is part of a long-term redevelopment plan to revitalize the Nasonville area, enhancing community resilience and sustainability.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 6
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (implied by efforts to provide PFAS-free water sources).
   • Concentration of hazardous chemicals in water bodies (PFAS levels in public water systems and private wells).
2. Indicators for SDG 3
   • Number of deaths and illnesses from water contamination (implied by health risk assessments related to PFAS exposure).
3. Indicators for SDG 9
   • Length and quality of water infrastructure developed (e.g., new water storage tank capacity, consolidation of water systems).
4. Indicators for SDG 11
   • Extent of urban redevelopment and infrastructure improvements in Nasonville Village (implied by the long-term redevelopment plan).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nrinow.news