Michigan environmental officials on Wednesday announced $2.5-million in funding to help municipal airports test for PFAs chemicals.
PFAs, or perfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of chemicals linked to cancer and found in firefighting foams at airports across the state.
Scott Dean is with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. He said there is a potential that the airports have PFAs hotspots.
“We know this class B foam was used and we know it can easily migrate off of an airfield or airport facility and find its way into local streams or potentially water supplies.”
In some cases, Dean said, there is contamination around the airports - suggesting they may be a source of pollution.
“We’re currently in the midst of a PFAs investigation in the village of Pellston, which is adjacent to the Pellston regional airport. They are a grant recipient.”
Airports receiving funding include the Delta County Airport, Pellston Regional Airport, and the Cherry Capital Airport.
Dean said there is still roughly $1.5 million in grant funding available for airports interested in testing.