LOWELL, Michigan — Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) tested water samples from a former landfill in Lowell, and those results came back positive for PFAS.
The landfill was located on Ware Road and operated by the city from 1958 until it closed in 1983 due to improper management, EGLE says.
People living in the area get their drinking water from ground wells.
In a statement, the city says the state does not think it's necessary to restrict water usage, but out of an abundance of caution, EGLE may begin testing individual wells.
The city has asked the state to schedule a meeting for the public to ask questions.
Lowell City Manager Mike Burns shared this in a statement Monday:
"We have just been made aware the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has recently detected slightly elevated levels of PFAS at the City’s former landfill. We do take this issue and the safety of drinking water very seriously and are working with the state to determine our next steps. At this time, EGLE does not believe there is a reason to restrict drinking water usage. Out of an abundance of caution, though, EGLE may begin testing individual wells. The City has asked representatives from EGLE and the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team to schedule a public presentation for residents to learn more and ask questions."
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals, can be found in water, soil, air and fish. The EPA says exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
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