{"id":223873,"date":"2026-04-08T20:44:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T20:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/223873\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T20:44:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T20:44:09","slug":"state-may-study-city-of-tallahassees-spray-field-for-forever-chemicals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/223873\/","title":{"rendered":"State may study City of Tallahassee\u2019s spray field for \u201cforever chemicals\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is responding to calls from Tallahassee scientists, citizens and commissioners to investigate PFAS, better known as \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d potentially being spread by the city\u2019s wastewater treatment plan.<\/p>\n

In an interview on Wednesday, City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow said he\u2019d encourage DEP to check the City of Tallahassee\u2019s \u201cspray field,\u201d acreage where the city sprays treated wastewater.<\/p>\n

In a letter two days ago, DEP said it would implement a \u201csampling plan\u201d to evaluate potential sources of PFAS in the capital city. <\/p>\n

A group of Tallahassee doctors, led by Dr. Ron Saff, believes the chemicals<\/a> are likely flowing through city facilities and seeping into the groundwater that serves wells in the southern part of Tallahassee and down into unincorporated Woodville.<\/p>\n

More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, Matlow cautioned that the chemicals don\u2019t originate from the city, but rather from consumer products, fire stations and other sources. <\/p>\n

However, while the city\u2019s wastewater treatment plant was cutting-edge at the time, he said it was mostly focused on nutrients and would need to be retrofitted to handle PFAS.<\/p>\n

There is another way for homeowners to be safe at the point of consumption: filters. The Tallahassee-based scientists previously said a $15 filter can help, but a $60-70 filter is better.<\/p>\n

\"AA letter from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to City Commissioners Jeremy Matlow and Bill Proctor.(WCTV)<\/p>\n

In response, DEP wrote in its letter that it would begin expanding its testing of private wells in Woodville, and it would also provide free PFAS filters when issues were identified.<\/p>\n

Geologist Fred Kocher said last month that the spray fields are a likely source.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the confirmed connection between the spray field and Wakulla Springs, the presence of PFAS contamination in Woodville along the flow path from the spray field to the springs, and the absence of alternative sources, it is scientifically reasonable to consider the spray fields as a potential contributor,\u201d<\/p>\n

Tune in to Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the full story. This article will also be updated this evening with all the details.<\/p>\n

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