PFAS

Michigan is receiving over $37 million dollars in federal funding to address emerging contaminants - like PFAS - in drinking water.

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.

A new report card details how federal agencies are failing to meet their promises and deadlines to address toxic PFAS chemicals.

If you like rainbow smelt from Michigan lakes, you may want to limit how many servings you eat. The state has recently updated its fish consumption guidelines to account for PFAS chemicals in smelt and carp.

2022 ended a few weeks ago. That’s the year the EPA promised to set drinking water standards on toxic PFAS chemicals. Now, more than 100 groups are urging the Biden administration to release the standards without any more delay.

Long awaited plans to clean PFAS chemicals from the Rogue River will now have to until 2024; the delay comes after a proposed plan by Wolverine Worldwide has been scrapped for a new one.(EGLE) to start construction of a remediation system on the Rogue River in September. That did not happen, forcing the state department to issue the Rockford based shoemaker a violation, while telling the company to hurry up.

PFAS are chemicals used to make stain-, grease-, and water- resistant products. But they’re also toxic - and there aren’t many alternatives on the market.

Most regulation on toxic PFAS chemicals is focused on drinking water, but PFAS can also get into the food supply through contaminated fertilizer.

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.