A stretch of O E Bieri Industrial Drive between Godfrey Street and Vergennes Street has been noted as an area of interest by the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team, or MPART. The road is in Vergennes Township, less than half a mile from the Flat River.
MPART says it was notified by the Kent County Health Department after a business owner installed a new water well and conducted sampling as part of the permit process.
Initial sampling results indicated an elevated concentration of the PFAS compound perfluorononanoic acid, or PFNA, by 34 parts per trillion. The maximum contaminate level for PFNA in Michigan drinking water is 6 parts per trillion.
A second sample taken by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy confirmed the original results, and additional sampling was conducted at commercial properties in the area. One additional property was found to have an elevated concentration of PFNA of 13 parts per trillion.
Groundwater there flows east toward the Flat River, but it remains unclear whether any surrounding waterbodies are impacted by PFAS. Additional sampling will be conducted in the area.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance, commonly referred to as PFAS, is a large group of human-made substances used in manufacturing, firefighting foam, and consumer products. Often called the “forever chemical,” it’s been determined that it can pose health risks, including cancer.
More information here: https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/investigations/sites-aoi/kent-county/o-e-bieri-aoi
