Following an extended series of pilot studies, City of Calhoun officials have identified a preferred long-term method for removing PFAS contaminants from both municipal water treatment plants.
PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and often called “forever chemicals” — have been an ongoing concern not only for Calhoun and Gordon County but for communities across the nation.
In early 2024, Calhoun city leaders addressed the issue after litigation was filed by a conservation group and private landowners regarding PFAS levels in the city’s drinking water. In response, officials launched pilot programs with consulting engineers to determine the most effective long-term treatment method while remaining in compliance with state and federal regulations. A well sampling initiative was also introduced.
By April 2025, the city began reporting non-detect levels of PFAS at both its Mauldin Road and Brittany Drive water treatment facilities.
A recent report presented to the City Council by the Calhoun Utilities Department and Insite Engineering concluded that reverse osmosis is the most effective and sustainable method for long-term PFAS removal.
The proposed project carries an estimated capital cost of $288.3 million and a projected 80-year cost of more than $1.25 billion — including $182.3 million at Mauldin Road and $106 million at Brittany Drive for capital expenses, and $733.1 million and $517.3 million in long-term operational costs, respectively.
Other Council Business
Several public hearings were held during Monday’s council meeting, with all requests receiving approval:
Brantley Farms LLC: Rezoning of 0.57 acres at 516 McDaniel Station Road from A-1 (Agricultural) to R-1 (Residential).
Acquisitions LLC: Annexation and rezoning of 10.635 acres at 2429 Highway 41 from A-1 to I-G (Industrial).
Niraj Patel/First Family Group LLC: Approval of a variance request allowing a 65-foot reduction from the required 100-foot property line setback for a 20-foot dual-faced digital billboard at 200 Union Grove Road, with conditions for an alternate proposal.
Calhoun Shell 943: Approval of a beer and wine package license at 943 Highway 53, under licensee Arsh Surani with Linin Potamearambii as the proposed store manager.
Alpha Waste Disposal Inc. (CR&T Recycling): Permit approved for a materials recovery facility at 319 Belwood Road.
Purchasing Department: Approval to surplus a 2002 Ford F-250 previously used by the Waste Management Department.
The next regular meeting of the Calhoun City Council will be held Monday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. at The Depot, 109 S. King St. All meetings are open to the public.
