PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.
Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.
In this edition: Alpena retesting results out, PFAS remediation at Wurtsmith Air Force Base being directed to research not cleanup, Cohoes to halt PFAS burning, wells in Marinette test positive for PFAS, Wisconsin’s attorney general insists EPA strengthen PFAS regulations, and Wisconsin DNR continues PFAS testing and treatment.
Catch up on Great Lakes Now‘s coverage of PFAS around the Great Lakes:
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Michigan:
State officials release results of Alpena PFAS retesting – Up North Live
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 19 of the 71 drinking water wells tested were found to have PFAS, with no wells sampling above the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy criteria of 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS.
Public troubled by WAFB funding going to more studies – not cleanup – Oscoda Press
When it was announced in February that the Air Force is allocating $13.5 million toward PFAS remediation at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, many assumed this would be used to help clean up the contamination and stop its continued spread.
New York:
Cohoes to consider halting PFAS burning at Norlite – Times Union
With state lawmakers unable as yet to take action because of the coronoavirus pandemic, a proposed moratorium on burning toxic PFAS chemicals, such as those that have been incinerated at the Norlite aggregate plant, will be tackled by the Cohoes Common Council next week.
Wisconsin:
More wells in Marinette County test positive for elevated levels of PFAS – WBAY
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources gave its first virtual update on PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area on Wednesday. Over the last week seven wells tested positive for elevated levels of PFAS.
AG Kaul reacts to proposed EPA rules on PFAS amid nationwide concerns about “Forever Chemicals” – WEAU
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined 17 attorneys general in insisting the EPA strengthen its proposed regulations requiring importers of certain products containing PFAS in their surface coating to notify and receive EPA’s approval before importing the products.
DNR continues PFAS efforts, though Johnson Controls requests pause – Wisconsin Examiner
Although the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has adjusted its operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PFAS testing and treatment have not halted.
