PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Portage city officials have announced an informational meeting that will explain the discovery of PFAS in water wells near South Westnedge Park.
Previously, PFAS contamination was discovered in May 2019 at South Westnedge Park (9010 South Westnedge Avenue), which had been used as a municipal landfill in the past.
Testing was held after the discovery, with additional samples being taken the following Fall.
As a result, testings of over 20 residential water wells near the site were conducted last month. The results of the survey indicate that none of these wells have tested above the EPA’s Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA) of 70 parts per trillion.
However, all wells tested confirmed the presence of various PFAS chemicals, with the type PFBS being the most common.
Citizens of Portage near the area that are linked into the municipal water system are not affected by PFAS contamination. Most residents and businesses in the area use the municipal water system.
Further testing is planned to determine how far the PFAS chemicals have traveled from the landfill.
Portage officials, along with the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will be holding a public meeting to provide an update into the matter this week.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, February 13 at 7 PM at Portage City Hall (7900 South Westnedge Avenue).
Officials add that an informational open house with the various agencies will be held immediately before the briefing, beginning at 6:30 PM.
