A toxic chemical known to persist in the environment for decades has been found in municipal water supplies across the region. M-Live Environmental Reporter Garret Ellison says the substance is called Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and are used in scotch guard, non-stick coatings, and fire fighting foam. Ellison says some of the major contributors to the PFAS pollution are military installations, such as Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Camp Grayling, and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. Ellision, speaking to WPHM yesterday, says the substances have been found in both Lake St. Clair and in Lake Huron. Locally, elevated levels of the contaminates have been found in New Baltimore, Mount Clemens, and Ira Township’s municipal water supply. Ellison says the contamination is currently at low levels that aren’t believed to pose any danger to the public. PFAS latent foam is used to fight fires at military bases.
Click here to listen to WPHM’s interview with Garret Ellision.
