GRAYLING, MI – Water quality in Michigan is special. Residents in Grayling know this because they are fortunate enough to have two high quality rivers running through Crawford County. The AuSable and Manistee Rivers run east to Lake Huron, and west to Lake Michigan, respectively. Both are considered scenic and wild rivers in areas passing through the National Forest.1 The fresh, clear flowing water from each stream provides important habitat for fishes, wildlife, and the adjacent communities. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) realize it is important residents know the state is doing all that they can to ensure these Class A rivers stay clean and clear for all users.
Recently the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) asked Camp Grayling to share their links to state web sites in order for Grayling residents, and others in the state to have the latest information on PFAS, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The state is being transparent and wants the public to be as informed as possible.
In August 2020, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) completed the process of promulgating rules establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for seven PFAS compounds under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The MCLs apply to approximately 2,700 public drinking water supplies in Michigan.2 However, the state and HQDA has yet to determine if these rules are applicable to Grayling.
The above information and more is available on the state web site and the links provided below. Camp Grayling Commander COL Meyers endorses the use of these web sites to gather other sources of information. Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) agencies, in collaboration with federal agencies and community partners, participate in public meetings to provide information and updates to communities with PFAS sites. Test results and updates on the site investigations as well as other information are provided at these meetings. The public is welcome to attend. Follow the Facebook links in the page for more information linked to social media and be a part of the discussion.
Your voice, your concerns, and your welfare; they are all important to the state decision makers. One of the best things you can do is be informed and involved in your local community.
Stay informed! The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) sends out a weekly recap of PFAS-related press releases, new site additions, and new content added to the MPART website. Sign up here to subscribe to their website and get the latest information as it is published:
- PFAS Response – PFAS Response (michigan.gov)
- https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/0,9038,7-365-86513_96293—,00.html
- https://www.rivers.gov/michigan.php
- Michigan.gov (PFAS MCLs and Drinking Water)
