Oscoda

It's been well over a decade since PFAS – toxic forever chemicals – were discovered on the site of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. Some of those residents took to the streets this week (Wednesday) to demand more clean-up measures from the Air Force while a long-term plan is developed.

PFAS contamination at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base has resulted in five health advisories that warn Oscoda residents of toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water, venison, small game, fish, and foam. PFAS activists are planning to rally tomorrow in Oscoda for additional clean-up measures.

Health officials are looking for more volunteers from Oscoda to participate in a study on how and where people were exposed to chemicals like PFAS.

Tom Kitchen was last seen on Bissonette Road in Oscoda on Friday December 9th.

A group of scientists analyzed ecosystems in Petoskey, Charlevoix and the former Wurtsmith Air Force base in Oscoda.

Oscoda residents were invited last week to tour the air force’s water treatment systems for PFAS chemicals at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. But the event drew mixed reactions from the very people the military was trying to win over.

Oscoda has five health advisories that warn of PFAS contamination in drinking water, venison, small game, fish, and foam. After years of community advocacy, health officials are now offering residents free blood tests for PFAS.

The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS are not regulated at the federal level - at least not yet. The political will to act on these emerging contaminants is changing.

After learning of PFAS contamination in her hometown of Oscoda, Cathy Wusterbarth said the first thing she wanted to know was: how to get tested?

On the surface, Van Etten Lake looks just like any other lake in Northern Michigan.Except on the beach, there’s a sign posted by the Michigan Department of Health. It warns swimmers to avoid foam because it “may” contain PFAS.