Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFAS have been used globally during the past century in manufacturing, firefighting and thousands of common household and other consumer products. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. In recent years, experts have become increasingly concerned by the potential effects of high concentrations of PFAS on human health.
Groundwater wells located on the perimeter of the Arbor Hills Landfill were sampled for PFAS at the request of The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). One well was found to contain PFAS at concentrations above drinking water standards and as a result, additional remediation actions will be required by the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART). EGLE and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were in the process of scheduling a town hall meeting to review the PFAS contamination discovered at the landfill when social distancing executive orders were put in place, thereby preventing such a meeting from being held.
EGLE and HHS have published a summary of the available information including a recorded town hall type presentation. The recorded town hall presentation gives an overview of PFAS issues, a summary of Michigan’s actions to address PFAS issues and specific information related to PFAS contamination found at Arbor Hills.
A link to the information available from EGLE is available here. The Conservancy Initiative is seeking additional information. Here is a very brief summary of the Arbor Hills PFAS contamination:
Groundwater wells located on the perimeter of the landfill were sampled for PFAS at the request of EGLE. One sample contained slightly more than the 70 parts per trillion (ppt) standard for drinking water.
Seven (7) residential water wells located just south of the landfill were tested for PFAS contamination and found to meet drinking water standards.
NOTE – From the information provided by EGLE, groundwater from the Arbor Hills Landfill flows to the Southeast. There are no residential wells southeast of the landfill. The wells to the south represented those most likely to be impacted. Most households in the area have a municipal water supply and do not utilize well water.
Advanced Disposal is working with EGLE to perform additional investigations including sampling to determine the limits of the contamination and the likely source.
Additional information from PFAS information from MPART is available here.