RICHLAND (WKZO AM/FM) — About three dozen homeowners in the PFAS contamination zone in Richland will have an opportunity to get municipal water, as the Kalamazoo City Water Utility seeks low interest loans from the state to resolve the issue.
Utility Director Jim Baker says it’s the same deal that was offered to Cooper Township residents on Tuesday. The installation will be free and the water service will be billed at the usual rates.
37 homes are impacted by the PFAS contamination released by Production Plated Plastics years ago in Richland.
Over 400 homes are in the contamination zone in Cooper Township.
Residents near Richland have been concerned whether the fish in Gull Lake are safe to eat because of PFAS contamination at the long abandoned Production Plated Plastics site.
Health officials say they can stop worrying, at least about that compound.
State Health Department Toxicologist Gary Klase says they tested fish from the lake and the news is good as far as PFAS is concerned.
They found only trace amounts in the fish. Klase says however there are other chemicals in the fish to worry about like mercury.
The DNR has recommended the consumption of Northern Pike and big and small mouth Bass from Gull Lake be limited to once a month.
They publish an annual fishing guide that includes all the restrictions and recommendations, that is available on-line or where they sell fishing licenses.
