ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A paper manufacturing facility in Southwest Michigan has been classified as a PFAS site after high levels of the chemical were found in area groundwater.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy released information showing elevated polyfluoroalkyl substances at the former White Pigeon Paper Company facility.
An investigation by the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team involved testing groundwater samples at the site in White Pigeon Township, all of which exceeded safe levels of the chemical compound.
The industrial property showed PFAS concentrations of 15,400 parts per trillion (PPT) in one testing sample, far exceeding the state’s groundwater advisory limit of 70 ppt.
A recent report shows that 19 nearby residential drinking wells also had tests results indicating PFAS levels at or above EPA limits for safe use.
Environmental officials began to assess the 54-acre property at 15781 River Street for contaminants in August 2019, prior to its sale to current owner GPI-Midwest LLC.
Initially no PFAS was found from test results during tests in September 2018 of municipal wells in the Village of White Pigeon. Testing was expanded after excessive levels were found on the industrial property in October 2019.
The former paper mill was used to process recycled paper stocks and packaging the commercial product for distribution. Sitting along the banks of the Pigeon River, it is currently unclear how far discharged chemicals may have traveled into the surrounding watershed that connects with the larger St. Joseph River.
Affected homeowners have been asked not to use well water, and are being supplied with bottled water by the state until filters can be installed at the residences.
Residents near the former paper mill are currently under consideration for expanded well testing. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team has designated 14 homes east of the study area for testing, with the process beginning in April.
A town hall meeting was originally scheduled for March 19th in White Pigeon to discuss the findings and future actions, but has since been postponed to a later date.
