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Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Oscoda, Iosco County)

Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Oscoda, Iosco County)

Disclaimer: Web content may not be routinely updated on this page.

Please contact the Site Lead for the most up-to-date status of this site.

EGLE site lead

Amy Handley, HandleyA@Michigan.gov, or 517-898-3356.

Background

Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Oscoda, Michigan, served primarily as a combat crew and bomber training base throughout its 70-year history. Since its establishment in 1923, Wurtsmith played an important role in World War II, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War, hosting the 134th Army Air Force Base Fighter Unit and 379th Bombardment Wing, respectively. 

Wurtsmith was selected for closure under the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure decision and was officially closed on June 30, 1993. Most of the acreage of the former base has been transferred for reuse. Under Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), the United States Air Force (Air Force) is responsible for investigating and if necessary, addressing any environmental contamination caused by the Air Force while operating Wurtsmith and has invested in over $85 million in cleanup actions.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) became aware of PFAS concentrations in groundwater in March 2010 when EGLE staff performed sampling at a former fire training area on the former base.

Anticipated activities

  • The final Remedial Investigation Report will be completed in 2024.
  • An interim remedial action will begin construction in 2024 at the Aircraft Alert Area and is anticipated to be online by the end of 2024.
  • Additional Interim Remedial Actions at areas of high PFAS concentration at the wastewater treatment plant and the stormwater outfall that flows into 3 Pipes Ditch will being the planning and design phase from 2024-2025 after funding is allocated.

Recurring actions

  • Every two months, Air Force hosts a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Team (BCT) meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference. The Final BCT Minutes from recent meetings are made available on the All Wurtsmith Documents page.
  • Monthly, Air Force provides discharge monitoring data from the CTS, Mission Street, and FT002 PTSs are available in MiEnviro Portal.
  • Quarterly, EGLE hosts a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and Air Force are invited to attend.
  • Quarterly, EGLE participates in a community engagement meeting with the local group, Need Our Water (NOW). These meetings include representatives from EGLE, MDHHS, MPART, Local Health, and NOW members. NOW provides topics for these meetings that are related to PFAS. EGLE along with the other representatives go through topics with NOW and answer questions.

PFAS concentration maps

PFHxS Concentrations in Groundwater

PFNA Concentrations in Groundwater

PFOA Concentrations in Groundwater

PFOS Concentrations in Groundwater

Base boundary

View an aerial image with the boundary of the base outlined.

Expand the boundary map
Base Boundary - Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base

Subtopics

Documents

PFAS in deer in the Oscoda area

Eat Safe Fish in Au Sable River & Van Etten Lake - July 2018

Report foam

Drinking water information

MDHHS is offering drinking water well retesting to Oscoda-area residents whose wells were previously tested for PFAS or who were offered drinking water filters, or both. There is no charge for the testing. MDHHS has contacted these residents by letter and by phone to schedule water collection appointments. Seasonal residents who are away for the winter can schedule an appointment later. The goal of the repeat testing is to determine if PFAS is in residential wells; if so, the amount of PFAS; and whether the amount is increasing, decreasing, or remaining the same over time. MDHHS will be retesting these drinking water wells in coordination and District Health Department No. 2.

Residents who have questions about this PFAS testing effort or who would like to schedule an appointment can call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.

More information on residential well sampling is included in the Oscoda Area MPART site page.

Air Force actions

Air Force has completed the PFAS Preliminary Assessment, Site Inspection, and is currently completing the Remedial Investigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. Air Force has provided alternate water for a residential well with detections above the U.S Environmental Protection Agency Lifetime Health Advisory (70 ppt PFOS+PFOA).

Air Force is currently treating PFAS contaminated groundwater at the FT002 pump and treat system (PTS), and the discharge from the Arrow and Benzene extraction wells at the Central Treatment System (CTS) and the discharge of the Mission Street PTS.  Air Force has completed a Time Critical Removal Action in 2021 to remove some of the PFAS contaminated soil at FT002.

The Air Force implemented two interim remedial actions (IRAs) to expand the treatment of PFAS contaminated groundwater at the FT002 PTS and the CTS. One IRA expanded the capture zone near the FT002 PTS and Clark’s Marsh and the other IRA expanded the CTS to treat contaminated groundwater extracted near Van Etten Lake at Ratliff Park (Air Force Beach). Air Force plans to implement an additional IRA near the Aircraft Alert Area to treat PFAS contaminated groundwater.

The EGLE-approved discharge requirements for the pump and treat systems are the treatment technology-based effluent limitations established to meet the Substantive Requirements of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451, Part 31. These effluent limitations were established to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of the treatment systems and are also more restrictive than the Water Quality Values for surface water discharges. Based on monthly effluent monitoring reports Air Force submits to EGLE Water Resources Division, the concentrations of PFOA and PFOS are generally below the effluent limitations established in the Substantive Requirements Documents.  Additionally, although the discharges do not need to be protected as drinking water sources and the standards are not discharge requirements, PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFHxA, and PFNA in the effluent from both systems are generally below the recently established Michigan MCLs. 

Monthly discharge monitoring data from the CTS and FT002 groundwater treatment systems are available in MiEnviro Portal.

The Air Force maintains an online Administrative Record for this site, and it is accessible at the AFCEC Administrative Record site. To view Wurtsmith documents, first click “Continue to Site” on the initial screen, that will launch the record search. On the record search page, select the “BRAC” option, located in the upper left corner of the site. Scroll down the installation list and select “Wurtsmith AFB”. This will pull up a search window for all documents related to Wurtsmith. 

Content updated July 2024.

Community engagement

Air Force Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meetings are scheduled quarterly. For more information,  visit the Wurtsmith RAB website. Previous meeting materials and recordings can also be found at this site.

The event details are posted on the MPART public meeting calendar.

 

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Historical timeline

    • The Air Force and EGLE collectively have conducted over 350 drinking water samples (from residential wells and schools) and installed over 600 monitoring wells.
    • EGLE and the Air Force continue to monitor residential wells and provide alternate water if detections are above the USEPA Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA) of 70 ppt PFOA+PFOS.
    • The Air Force has provided connection to municipal water supply at one residence where PFOA and PFOS were detected above the LHA.
    • A "Do Not Eat the Fish" advisory issued by the Department of Human Health Services in 2012 for the marshes and ponds south of the base, Van Etten Creek, and the Au Sable River.
    • In April 2015, the Air Force installed a granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment system to treat PFAS-contaminated groundwater collected from the plume from Fire Training Area #2 (FT-02). The Water Resources Division (WRD) issued a Substantive Requirements Document (SRD) on April 15, 2016, which is a permit-like document that specified the effluent limitations and monitoring requirements for the FT-02 GAC treatment system.
    • A "Do Not Drink the Groundwater" advisory issued in 2016 for part of this area, and alternate water units (in the form of filters or in-home water coolers) provided by the local health department to 206 homes. This number is current as of October 16, 2018.
    • The WRD issued an SRD on October 7, 2016, which set a compliance date of December 31, 2017, for the installation of multi-stage GAC treatment for the Arrow Street and Benzene Plant groundwater pumping locations.

  • For past meeting materials and other documents, visit the All Wurtsmith Documents page.

    • The WRD issued a Notice of Violation to the Air Force on January 16, 2018, which addressed the unlawful discharge of untreated PFAS from the Arrow Street and Benzene Plant groundwater pumping locations in violation of the terms and conditions of the SRD.
    • January 23, 2018 - The RAB met from 5:30pm -7:30pm at the Robert J. Parks Public Library.  
    • In response to the January 16, 2018, Notice of Violation, the Air Force constructed the Central Treatment Plant to treat PFAS contaminated groundwater from the Arrow Street and Benzene Plant groundwater pump systems. The Central Treatment Plant is a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment system, with a potential upgrade to a resin treatment system, installed and operational as of August 31, 2018. It currently treats the groundwater from the Arrow Street and Benzene pump stations. Wastewater from a third system-the Mission Street pump station-is scheduled to be connected in 2019.
    • EGLE entered into the Dispute Resolution Process of the Defense and State Memorandum of Agreement grant program on December 14, 2017, with the Air Force over the Air Force's noncompliance with Part 201. Seven items of disagreement were raised. EGLE and the Air Force continue to work on resolving these issues.
    • February 13, 2018 - The RAB met from 5:30pm - 8:30pm at the at Robert J. Parks Public Library; this meeting was recorded.  
    • April 18, 2018 - The RAB met from 5:30pm - 8:00pm at the at Robert J. Parks Public Library; this meeting was recorded.  
    • June 6, 2018 - The RAB met from 5:30pm - 8:00pm at the at Robert J. Parks Public Library; this meeting was recorded.   
    • August 30, 2018 - The RAB met.  
    • On October 19, 2018, EGLE issued a Notice of Violation to the Air Force for exceeding the Rule 57 water quality standard of 12 ppt PFOS at the groundwater surface water interface (GSI) in the area of Clark's Marsh. Concentrations of PFOS in surface waters in the Clark's Marsh area also exceeded Rule 57 water quality standards. This Notice of Violation requires the Air Force to submit a compliance plan within 30 days of the date of the notice.
    • On October 19, 2018, the Michigan departments of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Natural Resources (MDNR) issued a 'Do Not Eat' advisory for deer taken within approximately five miles of Clark's Marsh in Oscoda Township. The advisory is due to high levels of PFOS found in a single deer taken about two miles from Clark's Marsh, which borders the former WAFB. 
    • Staff met with the US Forest Service and their consultant, AEM Group, to discuss contamination at Clark's Marsh. Staff agreed to provide information on sampling conducted in the marsh.
    • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) staff planned to use the drone to determine the extent of flooding and the change in drainage in Clark's Marsh based on beaver damming activities.  The change in surface water flow could cause new areas of soil contamination. The drone flight was scheduled for April 4, 2019 but was not flown due to airspace restrictions.
    • December 5, 2018 - The RAB met.  
    • December 6, 2018 - Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ, now Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy [EGLE]) held a Town Hall.  

  • For past meeting materials and other documents, visit the All Wurtsmith Documents page.

    • A Base Closure Team Meeting was held with the Air Force on March 13, 2019.
    • On April 23, 2019, the US Air Force held a training session for the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) in Oscoda. 
    • On April 24, 2019, the Air Force hosted a public meeting, where Mr. John W. Henderson, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy, and Mr. Mark A. Correll, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Infrastructure gathered for a Q&A session regarding the restoration. Senator Peters was in attendance.  Earlier in the day Mr. Henderson and Mr. Correll toured areas of the former Wurtsmith Air Force.
    • April 24, 2019 - The RAB met.  
    • On April 25, 2019, EGLE and the US Air Force met to discuss the dispute resolution.
    • On May 22, 2019 - MDHHS had a Town Hall from 4:00pm - 8:00pm to discuss the new foam advisory. It was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 5300 US-23, in Oscoda. Open House from 4:00pm - 5:30pm and Meeting from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. 
    • On July 1, 2019, EGLE issued a press release stating "EGLE and the Air Force announce progress to accelerate PFAS investigation and treatment" at the former base.
    • July 1, 2019, EGLE confirmed that the Violation Notice sent to Air Force on January 16, 2018, has been addressed through the installation and start-up of a granular activated carbon system to treat groundwater at the Benzene and Arrow Street locations.  This violation notice is now considered closed.
    • On July 9, 2019, EGLE created an email list specifically for this site. Sign up for the email list to stay informed on important news, community meetings, and PFAS investigation updates. Updates are sent when significant content is added to the webpage, such as information on community meetings and when significant advancements in the investigation occur. Simply find the "Local Topic Updates", then select "Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda Area Investigations".
    • On July 16, 2019, EGLE held a Town Hall meeting to discuss updates associated with the Oscoda Area and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. There was an Open House from 4:00pm - 5:30pm, and a Town Hall from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. The Town Hall portion of this meeting was livestreamed starting at 6:30pm.   
    • On July 18, 2019, Representative Allor toured the central groundwater treatment system. Air Force, EGLE, and Oscoda Township participated.
    • On July 25, 2019, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call that included EGLE RRD and WRD, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, RAB community co-chair, and Air Force. 
    • On August 1, 2019, during part of an Air Force groundwater monitoring event at FT-02, EGLE conducted oversight of Air Force representative data collection methods.  Additionally, Air Force and EGLE representatives split groundwater samples for PFAS analysis. Due to a shipping error by the contractor, the EGLE samples exceeded the temperature requirements and were not analyzed by the lab. These samples will not be included in the totals above.  The Air Force results will be available in the 2019 monitoring reports
    • On August 8, 2019, the Attorney General toured the Wurtsmith Area, including the Air Force Beach area, existing central groundwater treatment system, and the future Mission Street groundwater treatment system.  The Air Force and EGLE RRD and WRD participated in portions of the tour.  Attorney General Nessel also met with representatives of OWAA, Oscoda Township, and Au Sable Township. 
    • During the week of August 12, 2019, Oregon State University and AECOM staff, collected samples from Van Etten Lake and Clarks Marsh as part of Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (SERDP-ESTCP) funded PFAS research. These samples are not included in the totals above.
    • On August 16, 2019, Representative Allor, the EGLE Director, MPART Executive Director, and EGLE staff met with representatives of Oscoda Township to tour the Oscoda area.
    • On August 20, 2019, EGLE and the US Air Force met to discuss site progress.
    • On August 21, 2019, EGLE Water Resources Division conducted inspections, including sampling, of the FT-02, Central Treatment System, and Mission Street groundwater treatment systems. EGLE collected samples during this event to compare to Air Force sampling results. 
    • On August 28, 2019, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA-FS, and Air Force participated.
    • September 11, 2019, EGLE shared a projected timeline for the Air Force PFOS/PFOA Expanded Site Inspection report.
    • September 11, 2019 - The RAB met. There was an informal Question & Answer session for an hour beforehand with the United States Air Force.  
    • September 13, 2019 - MPART Executive Director, and staff and management from EGLE, MDNR, and MDHHS  met with Au Sable Township and NOW (Need our Water) to discuss environmental response activities and concerns.
    • September 25, 2019, EGLE, MDHHS, and the US Air Force met discuss site progress.
    • September 25, 2019, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and US Air Force participated.  For a summary of this meeting visit the All other Wurtsmith Documents page.
    • October 2, 2019, EGLE collected "split" groundwater samples from monitoring wells near FT-02 with the Air Force contractor during a long-term monitoring event. The Air Force results will be available in the 2020 monitoring reports.
    • October 23, 2019, Air Force, EGLE, and MDHHS discussed site progress.
    • October 23, 2019, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and US Air Force participated.
    • November 20, 2019, Air Force, EGLE, and MDHHS met for a BCT meeting to discuss site progress.  
    • November 20, 2019, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and US Air Force participated.
    • December 6, 2019 - EGLE participated in a conference call with Oscoda Township officials and Need Our Water (NOW) group representatives, MDHHS and legislative representatives to discuss the Oscoda Area and former WAFB.
    • On December 11, 2019, EGLE, MDHHS, and Air Force discussed the results of the Draft PFOA/PFOS Expanded Site Inspection via teleconference.
    • On December 19, 2019, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and US Air Force participated.
    • December 30, 2019, Air Force reported that the Wurtsmith ion exchange resin treatment system for Mission Street is fully functional and treating groundwater. 
    • On December 31, 2019, Air Force submitted the Draft PFOA/PFOS Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) to EGLE.

  • For past meeting materials and other documents, visit the All Wurtsmith Documents page.

    • On January 22, 2020, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and US Air Force participated.
    • On January 22, 2020, the U.S. Air Force, EGLE, and MDHHS met for a BCT meeting to discuss site progress.
      •  
      • A BCT meeting was not held in December 2019.
    • January 24, 2020, staff and select management from MPART, EGLE, MDHHS, and MDNR met with representatives of Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, and NOW to discuss environmental response activities and concerns. EGLE presented EGLE's Wurtsmith Oscoda conceptual site model at the meeting.
    • On January 28, 2020, EGLE submitted comments to Air Force on the ESI.
    • On January 31, 2020, EGLE finalized the transducer study technical memo, East Side of Van Etten Lake.
    • On February 18, 2020, Air Force, EGLE, and MDHHS met for a BCT meeting to discuss site progress.  
    • On February 26, 2020, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and US Air Force participated.
    • On March 13, 2020, MPART Agencies met with NOW (Need Our Water) Community Group and Oscoda Township representatives via teleconference to discuss the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda Area sites.  EGLE presented their understanding of the Air Force Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) Report and highlights from EGLE comments on the report.  
    • On March 25, 2020 EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and Air Force were invited to attend.  These calls will continue to occur monthly.
    • On March 25, 2020, Air Force hosted the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Team (BCT) meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference.  The review schedule for reports is included in the BCT minutes.  
    • On March 25, 2020, EGLE submitted comments to Air Force on the Draft Final 2017 and 2018 Annual Remedial Action Operation Reports for Installation Restoration Program Sites (IRPs) LF-27, OT‑16, SS‑05, SS-08, SS-51, SS-71, SS-72, ST-68, ST-69, and WP-04. These Air Force reports summarize the long-term monitoring and evaluate groundwater sampling data that occurred in 2017 and 2018 associated with historical site remedies.
    • On March 30, 2020, EGLE submitted comments to Air Force on the Draft Final 2017 Annual Remedial Action Operation Report for Arrow Street, Benzene Plant, and Mission Street Pump and Treat Systems, Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Oscoda, Michigan.
    • On April 15, 2020, Air Force hosted the Wurtsmith RAB meeting electronically with assistance from EGLE Environmental Services Division.  The recording and additional information on past RAB meeting is available in the U.S. Air Force Wurtsmith site.  
    • On April 28, 2020, Air Force hosted the BCT meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference. The review schedule for reports is included in the BCT minutes.
    • On April 29, 2020, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and Air Force were invited to attend.  These calls will continue to occur monthly.
    • On April 29, 2020, EGLE received a response to EGLE comments from Air Force on the PFOA/PFAS ESI report. The Air Force will place the Addendum, Final PFOS/PFOA ESI Report in the Air Force administrative record.
    • In May 2020, the foam reporting process has been updated.  For information on foam, please visit the MPART Foam Tab.
    • On May 27, 2020, Air Force hosted the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Team (BCT) meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference. The review schedule for reports is included in the BCT minutes.  
    • On May 27, 2020, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and Air Force were invited to attend.  These calls will continue to occur monthly. 
    • According to a June 12, 2020 Air Force press release, Air Force "is awarding a contract in July that will expand capture zones to better control migration of Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to Clark's Marsh and two existing plumes under treatment near Oscoda, Michigan."
    • On June 24, 2020, Air Force hosted the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Team (BCT) meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference. The review schedule for reports is included in the BCT minutes.  
    • On June 24, 2020, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and Air Force were invited to attend.  These calls will continue to occur monthly.
    • On June 30, 2020, District Health Department 2 (DHD2) issued a press release reminder to avoid foam on Van Etten Lake (and Cedar Lake).  
    • On July 1, 2020, MPART agencies met with NOW (Need Our Water) Community Group and Oscoda Township representatives via teleconference to discuss the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda Area sites. 
    • On July 21, 2020, there was an Oscoda Area and Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base town hall meeting. The meeting included PFAS investigation and public health updates from several state agencies.  
    • On July 22, 2020 The Air Force hosted a virtual RAB meeting RAB information is available in the Air Force Wurtsmith site.   
    • On July 29, 2020, Air Force hosted the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Team (BCT) meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference. The review schedule for reports is included in the BCT minutes.  
    • On July 29, 2020, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and Air Force were invited to attend.  These calls will continue to occur monthly.
    • On July 30, 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) hosted virtual listening sessions.  During the sessions, MDHHS heard from the community to determine the next steps toward further evaluation of human exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
    • On August 6, 2020, Air Force requested that EGLE identify potential Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) for the PFOS/PFOA Remedial Investigation.  
    • On August 20, 2020, Air Force hosted a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Team (BCT) meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference to discuss Remedial Investigation and Interim Remedial Action scoping.  Air Force proposed Interim Remedial Actions, which include the expansion of the FT-002 and CTS PFAS groundwater treatment systems.  
    • On September 18, 2020, EGLE identified potential Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) in a letter to Air Force in response to an August 6, 2020 Air Force request.   
    • On September 22, 2020 Governor Whitmer submitted a letter to Assistant Secretary Henderson to urge the Air Force to comply with Michigan PFAS standards at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base.   
    • On September 23, 2020, Air Force hosted the BCT meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference. The review schedule for reports is included in the BCT minutes.  
    • On September 23, 2020, EGLE hosted a PFAS response coordination call. Representatives from EGLE, MDNR, MDHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township, Au Sable Township, OWAA, the community RAB, USDA‑FS, and Air Force were invited to attend.  These calls will continue to occur monthly.
    • On October 7, 2020, Air Force hosted a BCT meeting with EGLE and MDHHS via teleconference to discuss Interim Remedial Action scoping.  Air Force proposed Interim Remedial Actions include the expansion of the FT-002 and CTS PFAS groundwater treatment systems.   
    • On October 7, 2020, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Henderson responded to Governor Whitmer.   
    • On October 28, 2020, the U.S. Air Force, EGLE and MDHHS met for a BCT meeting to discuss the Data Quality Objectives for the upcoming PFAS Remedial Investigation.  
    • On October 29, 2020, Air Force responded to EGLE's September 18, 2020 Letter, RE: Identification of ARARs.   
    • On November 4, 2020, the U.S. Air Force, EGLE and MDHHS met for a BCT meeting to discuss scoping the upcoming PFAS Remedial Investigation Risk Assessment. 
       

    • Type of Sample

      Date Sampled

      # of Samples

      # of Results Received

      # of Non-detects

      # Between Non-detect and standard*

      #>Standard

      Groundwater

      		 Mar 2010 -
      Present      		 736 736 115 373 268
      Surface Water May 2010 -
      Present      		 181 181 22 62 97
      Comparison to AFCEC Aug 2019 - Present 9 0 - - -

      Cumulative

      		 926 917 137 435 365
      *Groundwater results are compared to EGLE Part 201 Criteria of 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA.
      *Surface water and effluent results are compared to Rule 57 surface water quality values of 12 ppt for PFOS and 12,000 ppt for PFOA.
      *Residential well results are available on the Oscoda Area page.

    Historical Sampling notes

    • Sample totals in the above provided table reflect samples taken from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base and some historical samples from the Oscoda Area sites.
    • Other PFAS analytes were detected in samples. There are no federal or state standards for these analytes.
    • Reporting of samples EGLE collects to compare to Air Force sampling results began in August 2019. 
    • Foam samples have been taken off-base. Please visit Michigan.gov/PFASFoam for more information. 

  • For past meeting materials and other documents, visit the All Wurtsmith Documents page.

    • On January 19, 2021, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. eastern, MPART hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting.
    • On January 20, 2021, Air Force hosted a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. eastern. The meeting was open to the public.  The Air Force's Wurtsmith Page holds RAB materials.
    • In late 2020, Whispering Pines residents were connected to municipal water. 
    • Interim Proposed Plan to expand capture of PFAS contaminated groundwater at FT002 near Clarks Marsh
    • On January 6, 2021, EGLE submitted comments to Air Force for the Interim Proposed Plan to expand capture of PFAS contaminated groundwater at FT002 near Clarks Marsh
    • On February 1, 2021 Air Force submitted responses to EGLE comments and requested the EGLE back check by February 9, 2021.
    • On February 8, 2021, EGLE responded to Air Force. EGLE considers many of the comments resolved; however, two comments require further discussion. These comments were resolved on February 8, 2020.
    • Air Force and EGLE continued BCT RI planning meetings in January and February to further discuss data quality objectives. 
    • On January 25 and 29, 2021, Air Force, EGLE and MDHHS met for a BCT meeting to discuss scoping the upcoming PFAS Remedial Investigation Conceptual Site Model and Data Quality Objectives.
    • On February 4, 2021, EGLE, MDHHS, and Air Force met to further discuss aspects of the PFAS Remedial Investigation including soil sampling and sentinel wells. 
    • On February 11, 2021, EGLE and Air Force met to discuss project action levels.
    • On February 19, 2021, EGLE sent a letter to Air Force requesting routine PFAS sampling in the influent and effluent of the LF30/31 Engineered Wetland Treatment System. No response has been received; however, Air Force sampled the effluent from the Engineered Wetland Treatment System and select monitoring wells at LF30/31 to determine a snapshot of PFAS concentrations.  This is summarized on the Air Force Administrative Record AR# 610393.    
    • On March 23, 2021, EGLE sent a letter to Air Force requesting an Interim Remedial Action east of FT002. No response has been received.  
    • On March 24, 2021 Air Force hosted a virtual public meeting to discuss the Clarks Marsh Interim Proposed Plan.  The recording and materials are available with RAB materials.  
    • On April 20, 2021, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. eastern, MPART hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting.   
    • On April 21, 2021, Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials.
    • In July 2021, MPART held a Town Hall meeting to present MPART agency updates on the Oscoda Area sites and former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. 
    • In August 2021, Air Force collected PFAS samples from existing monitoring wells for the PFAS Remedial Investigation (RI). On August 29, 2021, the data from this sampling event are summarized in the Air Force Administrative Record AR# 611071.
    • The public comment period for the VEL IRA at Ratliff Park is between August 4, 2021, and September 3, 2021.Prior to the public comment, EGLE submitted a formal letter documenting their support of the preferred alternative on June 22, 2021.Air Force will select the remedy after public comment and prepare an Interim Record of Decision for each of the IRAs.
    • In August 2021, Air Force released EGLE comments on the Draft Final Clarks Marsh Proposed Plan and the revised Draft Final Proposed Plan for the Van Etten Lake at Ratliff Park Interim Remedial Actions. Air Force Administrative Record AR# 610837 and 610834, respectively.
    • Beginning August 16, 2021, Air Force began collecting soil samples as part of the PFAS RI. Air Force provided a Memorandum for the Record on soil sampling for the PFAS RI in Air Force Administrative Record AR# 611833.
    • In late August 2021, Air Force and EGLE met for Systematic Project Planning meetings to discuss Vertical Aquifer Sampling (VAS) locations. VAS started in September 2021.
    • On August 31, 2021, Air Force hosted a Public Meeting on the Van Etten Lake at Ratliff Park Interim Remedial Action Proposed Plan. The Air Force poster session from 4 to 5 p.m. and public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. eastern were located at Shoreline Players Community Theater at 6000 N. Skeel Road in Oscoda. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for meeting materials, when available.
    • On September 1, 2021, Air Force hosted a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The Air Force poster session from 4 to 5 p.m. and RAB meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. eastern was located at Shoreline Players Community Theater at 6000 N. Skeel Road in Oscoda. The meeting was open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials, when available.
    • In November 2021, MPART held a Town Hall meeting to present MPART agency updates on the Oscoda Area sites and former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. The meeting materials will be available under all Wurtsmith documents.
    • On December 20, 2021, EGLE sent a letter to Air Force to request a response on previous letters sent to Air Force on February 19 and March 23, 2021. This response is provided in All Wurtsmith Documents.
    • From August to December 2021, Air Force began the PFAS Remedial Investigation (RI) in a stepwise fashion. This started with collecting PFAS samples from existing monitoring wells, soil sampling and then vertical aquifer sampling. The RI field work was conducted in April-September 2022 and expected to resume in Spring 2023. Air Force has issued a few Memoranda for Record as part of this process, which are available on the Air Force Administrative Record. Air Force does not provide EGLE the opportunity to review the Memoranda for Record prior to publishing; therefore, EGLE may not agree to all Air Force conclusions. EGLE’s contractor performed oversight of Air Force field activities during July through December. Photographs and fields notes as available on the All Wurtsmith Documents page.
    • On December 22, 2021, EGLE sent a concurrence letter to Air Force for the FT002 Interim Remedial Action (IRA) Record of Decision (ROD).

  • For past meeting materials and other documents, visit the All Wurtsmith Documents page.

    • On January 6, 2022, EGLE provided comments during the Public Comment period for the Time Critical Removal Action Memorandum for soil removal at FT002. Air Force provided a Responsiveness Summary available on the Air Force Administrative Record.
    • On January 7, 2022, EGLE provided comments on the Draft Final Record of Decision for the Van Etten Lake Interim Remedial Action (IROD).
    • On January 7, 2022, Air Force submitted a Technical Memorandum on the FT002 UST Removal and EGLE began their review. On January 12, 2022, Air Force informed EGLE they finalized the memo, and EGLE comments were not necessary. The memo is available on the Air Force Administrative Record. AR# 313760-69. EGLE reviewed the work plan for the FT002 UST Removal.
    • On February 16, 2022, Air Force held a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. eastern is located at Shoreline Players Community Theater at 6000 N. Skeel Road in Oscoda. The meeting was open to the public, and a virtual participation option was also provided. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials, when available.
    • On February 23, 2022, Air Force finalized the PFAS Remedial Investigation work plan. Several EGLE comments remaining unresolved. Air Force did not provide EGLE the opportunity to review their final responses prior to finalizing the report. Portions of EGLE comments are provided in the Appendices of the work plan. The document is available on the Air Force Administrative record. The work plan does not include Air Force plans for residential well sampling. 
    • On February 28, 2022, EGLE provided comments on the Biota Sampling plan for the PFAS Remedial Investigation. An Air Force response is pending.
    • On March 1, 2022, EGLE provided a back check on the Air Force response to EGLE comments on the PFAS RI Risk Assessment Work Plan. Unresolved comments remain and an Air Force response is pending.
    • On March 2, 2022, MPART held a virtual Town Hall meeting to present MPART agency updates on the Oscoda Area sites and former Wurtsmith Air Force Base.
    • On March 4, 2022, EGLE provided a letter to Air Force enclosing the Van Etten Lake Interim Remedial Action ARARs.  
    • On March 18, 2022, EGLE provided a back check on the Air Force response to EGLE comments on the PFAS Van Etten Lake Interim Remedial Action Work Plan. Unresolved comments remain and an Air Force response is pending.
    • On March 25, 2022, Air Force provided a Response to the EGLE December 20, 2021, letter, to request a response on previous letters sent to Air Force on February 19 and March 23, 2021.
    • On May 18, 2022, Air Force held a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. An in-person poster session may be conducted from 4 to 5 p.m. The meeting is open to the public, and a virtual participation option may be provided. Details to be determined. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials, when available.
    • On June 2, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m., MPART hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting to present MPART agency updates on the Oscoda Area sites and former Wurtsmith Air Force Base please visit the MPART calendar.
    • On June 20 and 28, 2022, Air Force and EGLE discussed the Draft Final Risk Assessment Work Plan back check. It is anticipated that Air Force will finalize the work plan. Any potentially unresolved comments will be addressed through correspondence between the agencies.
    • In August 2022, Air Force started the FT-02 PTS IRA.
    • On August 17, 2022, Air Force held a hybrid RAB meeting in Oscoda. At the RAB, Air Force announced plans for an IRA to address PFAS contaminated groundwater at the former Aircraft Alert Area, plans to implement a pilot study to address PFAS contaminated surface water discharge at Three Pipes Drain, and plans for a PFAS RI UFP-QAPP (work plan) Addendum. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials, when available.
    • On August 30, 2022, Air Force provided a brief letter in response to the EGLE May 26, 2022 letter unresolved comments on the Remedial Investigation work plan.
    • On September 7, 2022, EGLE provided an EGLE back check to Air Force response to EGLE comments on the Draft Final Biota Sampling plan.
    • On September 16, 2022, EGLE anticipates a detailed response to the Unresolved RI comments.
    • In Fall 2022 startup of the CTS is anticipated associated with the Van Etten Lake at Ratliff Park IRAs.
     
    • In February 2023, Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials.
    • On March 23, 2023, Air Force, EGLE, and DHHS met for a BRAC Cleanup Team meeting. The upcoming field season activities were discussed. BCT minutes can be found under Wurtsmith documents.
    • On April 17-18, 2023, Air Force and EGLE met to discuss DSMOA program and site related topics.
    • On April 24, 2023, Air Force held a virtual Risk Assessment meeting for the RAB and the public.
    • On April 26, 2023, EGLE, MDHHS, MPART, and NOW met to discuss PFAS related topics for Wurtsmith and surrounding area.
    • On May 17, 2023, Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials. EGLE also participated in an information gathering event, the DoD Environmental Cleanup Communication and Outreach Initiative (ECCOI) Wurtsmith Stakeholder Interview, to enhance communication with community members and other stakeholders.
    • On May 23, 2023, Assistant Secretary of Defense, Brendan Owens, visited Wurtsmith for a tour and roundtable discussion with the stakeholders, including members of the community. This visit was partially tied to the DoD ECCOI event.
    • On July 7, 2023, EGLE submitted comments to the Air Force for the PFAS RI UFP-QAPP Addendum.
    • On July 27, 2023, Force, EGLE, and DHHS met for a BRAC Cleanup Team meeting. The upcoming field work was reviewed and discussed, along with the relocation and replacement of AS-PW5. Sampling events were also reviewed that will take place throughout the remainder of the year. BCT minutes can be found under Wurtsmith documents.
    • On August 2, 2023, EGLE, MDHHS, MPART, and NOW met to discuss PFAS related topics for Wurtsmith and surrounding area.
    • On August 4, 2023, EGLE and Air Force met to discuss the SS072 Risk Assessment comments.
    • On August 9, 2023, EGLE and Michigan Department of Attorney General began having regular meetings to address the upcoming Aircraft Alert Area Interim Remedial Action to determine the Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) and the Substantive Requirements Document (SRD) for that treatment system.
    • On August 16, 2023, Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials.
    • On August 17, 2023, EGLE and Air Force met to discuss the site progress and future activities.
    • On September 11, 2023, EGLE submitted comments for the Aircraft Alert Area Interim Remedial Action Proposed Plan.
    • On October 11, 2023, EGLE was present for the Aircraft Alert Area Proposed Plan public meeting in Oscoda.
    • On October 13, 2023, EGLE submitted backcheck comments for the BECOS QAPP.
    • On October 20, 2023, EGLE submitted comments to the Air Force for the 2021 PTS RAO Report. That report is available on the AFCEC Administrative Record for Wurtsmith.
    • In late October – early November, EGLE participated in a Critical Process Analysis for 4 locations at Wurtsmith, Landfills 30/31 (LF30/31), DRMO, 3 Pipes Area, and the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This event evaluated best approach for interim remedial actions at each location.
    • On October 30, 2023, EGLE, MDHHS, MPART, and NOW met to discuss PFAS related topics for Wurtsmith and surrounding area.
    • On November 8, 2023, Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials.
    • On November 9, 2023, EGLE and Air Force met to discuss the site progress and future activities.
    • On November 20, 2023, EGLE and the Air Force met to discuss approach for the eastside of Van Etten Lake. This included EGLE recommendations that were made in comments on the PFAS RI QAPP Addendum and other topics that EGLE and Air Force needed to discuss.
    • On November 29, 2023, Air Force, EGLE, and DHHS met for a BRAC Cleanup Team meeting. The upcoming field season activities were discussed. BCT minutes can be found under Wurtsmith documents.
    • On December 15, 2023, EGLE and other State partners received an out brief of the Critical Process Analysis results for the Noblis team.
    • On January 12, 2024, EGLE reviewed and provided comments to the Air Force on the 2021 Annual Remedial Action-Operation Report for the Pump and Treat Systems at Wurtsmith
    • On January 25, 2024, Air Force, EGLE, and DHHS met for a BRAC Cleanup Team meeting. An overview of the treatment systems and the extraction well maintenance program was given. BCT minutes can be found under Wurtsmith documents.
    • On February 8, 2024, EGLE, MDHHS, MPART, and NOW met to discuss PFAS related topics for Wurtsmith and surrounding area.
    • On February 9, 2024, EGLE reviewed and submitted comments to the Air Force for the revised risk assessment at SS-072.
    • On February 21, 2024, Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials.
    • On March 15, 2024, EGLE reviewed and provided comments to the Air Force for the PFAS RI QAPP Addendum.
    • On April 22, 2024, EGLE submitted comments to the Air Force for the Draft 4th Five Year Review for Wurtsmith. On May 6, 2024, EGLE, MDHHS, MPART, and NOW met to discuss PFAS related topics for Wurtsmith and surrounding area.
    • On May 15, 2024, Air Force hosted a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting. The meeting is open to the public. Check the Air Force Wurtsmith Page for RAB materials.
    • On May 23, 2024, Air Force, EGLE, and DHHS met for a BRAC Cleanup Team meeting. A presentation on an upcoming ESTCP project that is coming to Wurtsmith was given, covering foam fractionation and annihilation. BCT minutes can be found under Wurtsmith documents.
    • On June 24, 2024, EGLE submitted comments to the Air Force for the Interim Record of Decision for the Alert Aircraft Area Interim Remedial Action. Final ARARs are still being considered by State and Federal parties.
    • On July 11, 2024, EGLE submitted comments to the Air Force for the Draft Remedial Action Work Plan for the Alert Aircraft Area Interim Remedial Action.

Resources

Air Force Wurtsmith Administrative Record

U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Response to PFOS and PFOA

Air Force Wurtsmith Page

District Health Department No.2 - Wurtsmith Activities

Discharge monitoring data from the CTS, Mission Street, and FT002 PTSs

PFAS Health Resources