Cadillac learned more information Wednesday about the state’s investigation into PFAS discovered in the industrial park area.
Michigan PFAS Action Response Team or MPART hosted two virtual meetings Wednesday, both with in-person viewing options.
The purpose of the meetings was to get people up to speed on what they’ve discovered so far since PFAS were discovered in private wells in recent months.
Cadillac city manager Marcus Peccia said he thinks the state did a good job laying out the latest information
“I think that MPART ultimately did a good job today because they shared the data, they were transparent with it. A lot of people are genuinely worried about whether they’re getting it from their own private wells or whether they’re getting it by visiting restaurants or other places in and around our area,” said Peccia.
The State also laid out the role that MPART plays, the factors for starting an investigation, and the process.
“They’ve sampled 70 private wells in the Cadillac Industrial Park area to date. 12 of them are above the current criteria. 44 of them had levels of detections that are below criteria. And 14 were non-detect,” said Peccia.
The state also received 11 other self-samples, all tested below what’s considered unsafe.
MPART said the data suggests that there is no smoking gun when it comes to a primary source for PFAS contamination but was likely from multiple sources in the area.
“They also continued to hit that a very likely culprit could be septic tanks or septic fields, drainage fields that people have as well as septic fields from, larger, contributors. Nonresidential uses that are also on septic could also contribute,” said Peccia.
Peccia said the make-up of our soil is making it harder to pinpoint the source.
“They kept talking about how the soil here is mostly sand. And no matter what it is, contaminants and other things moved quickly. It’s hard for them to tell where exactly it’s coming from,” said Peccia.
The state also gave updates on the investigations into the US 131 & Mackinaw Trail area and the Wexford Missaukee Career Technical Center area where PFAS were found at unsafe levels recently.
MPART Also gave out general information on PFAS, impact on exposures, information on filters and testing and other help for people if they have questions.
Peccia said the city is also trying to help connect people to resources.
“We’ve additionally been successful and coordinating with the local United Way. They have now updated their 211 dial-in system. So, if anyone has related questions or concerns, you can just simply dial two one, one and they will connect you with the area PFAS expert through the health department,” Peccia said.