KALAMAZOO, MI — Contamination from a shuttered electro-plating company was well-known in Richland Township in the 1980s and 90s, but recent tests showing PFAS compounds in nearby drinking water wells present a new environmental threat from the state-owned site.
Until recently, the groundwater discharge from the site had never been tested for PFAS, Dean said.
History of contamination Established in 1969, Production Plated Plastics engaged in molding, electroplating, and painting of plastic automobile parts at its Richland facility.
In 1986, the company began pumping tainted groundwater from wells at the site.
The electro-plating company was ordered to close its Richland Township facility and pay for environmental cleanup at the site.
Per the city’s request, the DEQ ceased discharge from the former Production Plated Plastics site on June 21, Dean said.
Meanwhile, the city of Kalamazoo provides drinking water to Richland Township.
Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner Pat Crowley, a township resident, said the water system was expanded due to known contamination at the Production Plated Plastics site.
Baker said 99 wells that provide drinking water to area were tested for PFAS by the DEQ on June 22.
The EPA required all public water systems to test for PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act.