BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have told the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency that PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) has been detected in the discharge from the Bronson Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The level detected was 150 Nanograms per liter which is above the allowable level of 12 Nanograms per liter. The discharge from the plant flows into Swan Creek.
The Michigan D.E.Q. says fish have been harvested and surface water has been collected for testing from Swan Creek, Long Lake, Palmer Lake, and the St. Joseph River downstream of Sturgeon Lake.
Test results are pending. The Michigan D.E.Q. has also met with and required that the Bronson Wastewater Treatment Plant perform monthly discharge sampling for PFOS, to identify its sources and to implement source reduction activities.
Residents are being told that recreational activities such as swimming and boating are not considered to be a health concern. Until the fishes test results are back, the Michigan Eat Safe Fish guidelines are in effect for the bodies of water mentioned earlier. The Eat Safe Fish guidelines are found at www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish.
