Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Iosco County

In 2012, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) issued a "do not eat" fish advisory for all fish caught from Clark's Marsh and for resident fish in the lower Au Sable River, south of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Laboratory analysis of fish from the marsh and resident fish from the river showed levels of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the fish that are unsafe for people.  Migratory fish in the river are not expected to have high levels of PFCs but some have advisories due to other chemicals.  PFCs are chemicals that were used in fire-fighting foams on the former base.  MDCH continues to assess the health risk from the PFC contamination.

Advice about eating fish from Clark's Marsh, Allen Lake, and the lower Au Sable River

Former Wurtsmith AFB Public Meeting Presentation by the Michigan Department of Community Health, January 24, 2013

Former Wurtsmith AFB Public Meeing Presentation by the Air Force Civil Engineering Center, January 24, 2013

Amended Letter Health Consultation 

Letter Health Consultation

Press release announcing Clark's Marsh fish advisory

U.S. Air Force fact sheet 

U.S. Civil Engineering Center

Emerging Contaminants, PFOS and PFOA

PFCs and Health

2001 Public Health Assessment

In 2001, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) wrote a Public Health Assessment of health risks posed by trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination in several on-base and off-base water supply wells.  Today, most drinking water in the area is provided by the Huron Shores Regional Utility Authority which meets all federal and state safe drinking water standards.

Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base Public Health Assessment, Part 1

Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base Public Health Assessment, Part 2

Tables

Figures

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D