State officials have a new water contamination investigation on their hands: what is the source of newly-discovered contaminants found in the groundwater in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) recently revealed that the contaminants per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in the groundwater on Ann Arbor's westside.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1950s in a variety of industries, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. They do not break down in the environment and can remain in the human body for years, increasing the risk of cancer, liver and kidney damage, and other health effects.
According to the EGLE, the PFAS levels found in Ann Arbor's groundwater range from 6.2 parts per trillion (ppt) to 33 ppt. While these levels are well below the state's drinking water standards for PFAS, which is 70 ppt, any level of contamination is concerning.
The EGLE is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the City of Ann Arbor, and other stakeholders to investigate the source of the PFAS contamination and its potential impact on public health.
"The health and safety of Michigan residents are our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our communities," said Liesl Clark, Director of the EGLE.
The investigation will focus on the area where the PFAS was found, which includes the State Road corridor between Jackson Road and Wagner Road.
Several businesses in the area are being scrutinized for their potential role in the contamination. One business, Hebei Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Co., Ltd., has been identified as possibly responsible for the contamination.
Hebei Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Co., Ltd. is a state-owned provincial specialized foreign trade corporation that integrates industry, technology, and trade. The company was founded in 1978 and has since undergone significant reform and development. Its import and export business has achieved remarkable success, according to its website.
The EGLE has identified the company as potentially contributing to the contamination because it is located near where the PFAS has been found, and the company uses PFAS in its industrial processes.
The company has denied any wrongdoing and stated that it has not intentionally released any contaminants into the environment.
"We are working closely with the authorities to help them understand our operations and our commitment to environmental and social responsibility," said a representative from Hebei Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Co., Ltd. "We take this matter very seriously and are fully cooperating with the investigation."
Meanwhile, the EGLE has advised residents in the area to use bottled water for drinking and cooking until the source of the contamination is identified and the issue is resolved. The City of Ann Arbor has also established a website to keep residents informed on the investigation's progress and share information on how to protect their health.
The PFAS contamination in Ann Arbor is just the latest in a series of water pollution crises in Michigan. The state is still dealing with the aftermath of the Flint water crisis, which exposed thousands of residents to lead-contaminated drinking water, and the Wolverine Worldwide contamination in Rockford, which contaminated private wells with toxic chemicals.
The state and federal governments have pledged to do more to protect Michigan's water resources and ensure that public health is not put at risk by water pollution.
"This latest contamination underscores the urgent need to take action to address water pollution and ensure that all Michiganders have access to safe, clean drinking water," said Clark. "We will continue to work tirelessly to protect Michigan's water resources and the health of our communities.