Deyoung Landfill (Zeeland, Allegan County)

Ray Spaulding, SpauldingR1@Michigan.gov or 517-290-2401.

Deyoung Landfill: 616-772-2802

In response to groundwater contamination reported in the North Kent area from chemicals including PFAS, EGLE requested public input about off-site dumping, possibly related to Wolverine World-Wide (Wolverine) activities. One of the reports received indicated that waste from Wolverine had been disposed of at the Deyoung Landfill in Zeeland. In 2018, historical aerial photo review and limited site reconnaissance activities were completed by EGLE staff to investigate the report. This 46-acre parcel was used as a licensed landfill during the 1960s through the 1980s. There is a small creek that flows east to west along the northern perimeter of the property. A surface water sample was collected from the creek in the area where the most staining was observed, downstream from where the creek has undercut the landfill. Results from the surface water sample indicated that low levels PFOA and PFOS are present in the surface water, at concentrations below groundwater/surface water interface (GSI) criteria for both compounds.

Groundwater flow direction is to the west-northwest at the site. An unnamed tributary of the Macatawa River runs through the northern section of the site and is a potential surface water receptor.

Content posted January 2022

EGLE is working with the Allegan and Ottawa County Health Departments as well as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to develop a residential well sampling strategy for the homes in the immediate vicinity of the site.

EGLE will reach out to nearby residential well owners for access to sample wells in late December early January.