Kalamazoo County staff outlines local groundwater contamination sites, PFAS risks and testing options

Leah Erlinson, Kalamazoo County groundwater specialist, told the Board of Commissioners on June 3 that the county contains multiple kinds of groundwater contamination sites and described where residents can find information and testing resources.

Erlinson said the county currently has five Superfund sites overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and additional state-managed sites, including Part 201 brownfields, Part 211 and Part 213 underground-storage-tank sites, and PFAS-specific sites. "We currently have 5 within our county," Erlinson said while describing Superfund sites and how the EPA manages cleanup when there is no responsible party.

The presentation summarized contaminants commonly found in local groundwater: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PCE/TCE used in dry cleaning and degreasing, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 1,4-dioxane, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and metals, pesticides and nitrates. Erlinson described health risks cited by state and federal agencies for several substances, including liver and kidney damage linked to some solvents and increased cancer risk associated with certain PFAS exposures.

Erlinson also explained site classifications and oversight: Superfund sites are overseen by the EPA; brownfields and many redevelopment sites are managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); and PFAS response is coordinated through Michigan’s MPART program and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

On remediation approaches, Erlinson listed common techniques used depending on contaminant type: excavation and disposal, capping and containment (often for landfills), on-site treatment and pump-and-treat systems, and filtration for some uses. She said PFAS are especially difficult to remediate because they persist in the environment and in human bodies.

For private well owners, Erlinson recommended annual testing for bacteria and nitrates and advised residents to use the state laboratory for site-specific tests such as VOCs and PFAS. She said the county distributes PFAS filters and educates residents about maintenance. "If you have any household hazardous waste in your home and your property, take it down to the center," Erlinson told the board when describing disposal and sampling options.

Commissioners asked for clarifications. Commissioner Gisler asked how Part 211 (tanks) become Part 213 (leaking tanks); Erlinson said not all tanks that are removed have leaked and that detection sometimes relies on sales/discrepancy records. Commissioners also asked where residents can obtain guidance about irrigation wells inside a groundwater-restricted zone; Erlinson said they should contact the county environmental health department first and the county will follow up or connect them with state partners as needed.

Erlinson provided contact information for site-specific questions and pointed commissioners to public mapping tools maintained by EGLE and the EPA. She emphasized outreach and well management as key county activities: monitoring well permits near contamination sites, periodic water sampling, collaborating with state and city partners and arranging filter distribution for affected households.

Ending: Erlinson concluded by encouraging residents with particular concerns to contact the environmental health department and by reminding board members that public information and interactive maps for Superfund, Part 201/211/213 and PFAS sites are available on state and federal websites.