Chemical Planning and Response Section (CPRS)

The Chemical Planning and Response Section carries out much of the field work for DEH, including both environmental sampling and community services (filter distribution, etc.). The section provides support to local, state, and federal partners in the event of public environmental health disasters, like oil spills and other hazardous chemical releases.

The section is composed of the following units:

Community Services and Planning Unit

Laura Gossiaux, Unit Manager – 517-284-4802

The Community Services and Planning Unit plans for and implements community services in response to environmental health concerns. The unit works in conjunction with all DEH/DHHS groups and/or unified command structures to provide logistical, operational, and/or direct support to communicate and implement necessary intervention actions directly to individuals or small groups, particularly during emergency or time critical response needs. This includes filter distribution and temporary housing relocation, whenever needed.

Drinking Water and Environmental Sampling Unit

Aaron Ward, Unit Manager – 517-582-5245

The Drinking Water and Environmental Sampling Unit investigates health concerns associated with public water supplies and private drinking water wells. This unit is responsible for environmental sampling of drinking water and other environmental media. It also supports DEH research and emergency response efforts.

Most of the unit’s work focuses on PFAS testing and lead and copper testing.  

The unit’s work includes but is not limited to:

• Scheduling and sampling drinking water supply sites.
• Assisting with the development and distribution of educational materials and outreach for both public and private drinking water supplies.
• Following-up with regulatory agencies to determine public health impact of required corrective measures at sites of contamination.
• Drafting reports on the hydraulic and hydrologic phases of affected watersheds at sites of contamination.
• Reviewing data with the DEH ALE Team to assist in the determination if appropriate responses are being taken to protect public health.

Vapor Intrusion and Stabilization Unit

Lisa Quiggle, Unit Manager – 517-284-4812

The Vapor Intrusion and Stabilization Unit analyzes information from sites with a potential for vapor intrusion to determine if there are any threats to public health.

• If vapor intrusion is occurring, the unit assesses the data to determine human health risk.
• The unit may relocate occupants until the risk is mitigated. Mitigation is often in the form of a vapor intrusion mitigation system installed by partner agencies or a responsible party.
• After a mitigation system is installed, the unit tracks the ongoing operation and maintenance of the system.
• The unit also supports DEH in response to environmental public health emergencies. All the members of the unit are trained in emergency response.

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