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With lots of domestic well users and plenty of polluting industries, Michiganders are among the nation’s most likely to have ‘forever chemicals’ in their well water, according to a landmark federal study.
Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, PFAS and ingredients found in personal care products are among the emerging — and sometimes unmonitored — contaminants in the Great Lakes region.
State officials warned against eating too much of the silvery panfish due to high PFAS levels. Scientists now say that was an error, but aren’t yet ready to abandon fish consumption advisories altogether.
The Environmental Protection Agency has set standards for regulating PFAS contamination across the country. Activists are saying it's a good start, while water utilities are worried about the costs.
After discovering sky-high PFAS levels in the foam, activists panned state environmental regulators for declining to test it earlier. State officials counter that with hundreds of PFAS sites in Michigan, their resources are stretched thin.
State officials hope Lansing is ripe for new EV manufacturing investment. But more public money is needed to clean the site abandoned during GM’s bankruptcy.
At least 17 states have issued PFAS-related fish consumption advisories, KFF Health News found. But with no federal guidance, what is considered safe to eat varies significantly among states, most of which provide no regulation.
The venerable, Rockford-based company famous for Hush Puppies faces plummeting stocks and sales. It’s already spent tens of millions of dollars settling suits for PFAS contamination. Then this year, more PFAS was discovered on its doorstop.
The auto industry is getting billions to build battery plants on rural land, while taxpayers pay for contaminated plants left behind. Will history repeat itself? Or will Michigan forge a new path?
In a 2-1 ruling, a Michigan Court of Appeals panel said the state failed to analyze the cost to businesses of complying with the stricter PFAS rules, as was required. The limits will remain in place, however, until the litigation is over.
Military officials announced they will install groundwater treatment systems around the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base to clean up chemical compounds linked to serious health issues.
Industrial pollution taints the fish in a host of Michigan rivers, but anglers often don’t know the risks. River walkers like Jim Bridgforth aim to change that — but not everyone has the luxury of skipping a fresh-caught meal.
Some Michigan water suppliers may be eligible for payouts from the settlement over the chemical that was used in thousands of everyday products and has been linked to cancer and other health woes.
Democrats say a 2018 law barring state rules that are stricter than federal regulations undercuts state regulators’ ability to address pollution issues. Business groups fear repealing the measure could have unintended consequences.
As evidence mounts about the health risks from the so-called ‘forever chemicals’, state regulators are considering whether PFAS 'do not fish' advisories are strong enough to protect Michiganders. If the answer is no, more rivers may be flagged for contaminated fish.
The new standards, which could take effect this year, would be stricter than Michigan’s existing standards. EPA officials acknowledged it’s unsafe to drink virtually any of two PFAS compounds, but set proposed limits at the lowest amount technology can detect.
The legal settlement with Asahi Kasei Plastics North America over PFAS at its Brighton plant comes as Attorney General Dana Nessel pursues lawsuits against a host of companies tied to Michigan’s PFAS crisis.
One of the first bills introduced by the Democratic majority would undo a Snyder-era law that prevents Michigan from adopting stronger pollution regulations than Washington. Dems also aim to lessen industry influence on regulatory decisions.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer must lay out a bold vision to protect our waters, clean up toxic groundwater, keep water services from being privatized and put the onus on chemical companies to show they can operate safely.
