The chemicals have been found in groundwater, surface water bodies like lakes and rivers, as well as the Great Lakes — and in drinking water pulled from each source type.
The DEQ found PFAS contamination at the old nuclear B-52 base near the shore of Lake Huron in 2010.
The soil and groundwater is contaminated by total PFAS levels as high as 1.2 million-ppt.
In 2015, Michigan’s first activated carbon pump-and-treat system was built at a base fire training area.
HSRUA water is considered the safe alternative supply for polluted wells near Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, which has contaminated the Au Sable River as it enters Lake Huron north of Tawas.
The highest total PFAS level detected is 52-ppt.
The DEQ says PFAS has been found in site groundwater and soils, and in the river nearby.
Local wastewater treatment plant effluents have tested positive for low levels.
Total PFAS levels in treated drinking water from the lake range from 2.71- to 4.77-ppt.
In June 2017, the creek tested for PFOS at 920-ppt.