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Activists, lawmakers, and residents react to reports of withheld PFAs study

Guy Yitzhaki
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https://flic.kr/p/67mWqL

Democratic leaders, Environmentalists, and some residents say there must be greater transparency following news reports that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality sat on a report on toxic chemicals in drinking water for six years.

The DEQ report, from 2012, outlined concerns about elevated PFAs levels at Department of Defense Bases and fire training facilities. The report was uncovered by M-Live through the freedom of information act.

Lisa Wozniak is executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

“At this point, there is a dire need for full transparency and a complete investigation into what took place at the DEQ between 2012 and today.”

Tony Spaniola is a part-time Oscoda resident, where PFAs contamination has been found leaking from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base.

“We’re beyond uncomfortable when people who suppressed the report continue the shroud of secrecy, tell us everything is basically okay, and announce themselves as leaders.”

Spaniola said he wants to know why the report wasn’t released to the public, who was involved in its suppression, and why the author of the report was barred from speaking to media.

PFAs have been linked to cancer, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, and asthma, among other things.

Officials with the DEQ say Michigan is a national leader in PFAS research.