A Kent County 17th Circuit Court judge will hear the state’s case against the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. The motion filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel granted by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
In September 2020, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy sent the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority a Violation Notice demanding the airport address the release of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances into groundwater impacting streams and residential drinking water wells in Cascade Charter Township. Firefighting foam used at the airport.is the primary source of the man-made chemical known as PFAS.
It's been three years since that violation notice was sent and received. Attorney General Nessel seeks remediation and monitoring costs along with damages for the loss and destruction of natural resources.
The airport authority says it’s disappointed by the ruling.
“GFIAA has responsibilities and mandatory obligations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) related to the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, which is why the Airport Authority contended that Federal Court is the proper venue for this case.”
GFIAA says it’s committed to addressing community concerns.