Michigan is learning about its PFAS environmental contamination, discovering how far it reaches and how many residents it affects.
But as officials target limiting human exposure, they’re also looking at a set of solutions: more money, site work and regulations.
At risk: The drinking water for 9 million Michigan residents who depend on the government to identify public health risks and initiate protection for people and the environment.
PFAS chemicals also have been found above 70-ppt in 14 wells near Grayling and one well near Wurtsmith.
Carol Isaacs, director of Michigan’s PFAS Action and Response Team, said the EPA guidelines need to be a national priority.
But the role of the federal government is directly tied to the problem: In many cases, it’s the polluter.
Chemical-laden fish can be found on ‘do not eat’ advisories across the state, with PFAS listed as the primary concern for a total of 59 mentions in Michigan water ways – most in Southeast Lower Michigan.
Those are all concerns raised by people who are looking at the problem and trying to mobilize a response that doesn’t further hurt communities.
They all seem to agree that the municipalities affected by PFAS could benefit from a more coordinated effort to consider what needs to be communicated about contamination – and where existing state economic development efforts could align with MPART’s findings.
PFAS is Michigan’s next water crisis