Laboratories Offering Home Testing
PFAS MCLs and Drinking Water
Statewide Testing Initiative
PFAS Sites and Areas of Interest
There are two major classes of firefighting foam: Class A and Class B. Class B is also called Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) and is usually created using PFAS. It is a highly effective foam used for fighting high-hazard flammable liquid fires, like gasoline, oil, and jet fuel.
Official Correspondence
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Decorative Panels International (DPI), located at 416 Ford Avenue, is a former particle board factory that operated from approximately from 1957 to 2024. Previously, the property was used as a lumber yard from approximately 1869 to 1957. In August 2024, EGLE responded to a complaint call for the location. During that site visit, EGLE observed a fire suppression system that used Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam (AFFF). EGLE sent DPI an information request; as follow-up, DPI submitted a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment to EGLE which included groundwater sampling results.
Six samples were collected and analyzed for PFAS and four were above criteria. The highest result was 14.9 ppt PFOA (compared to 8 ppt). Groundwater flow direction is to the east, towards Lake Huron. The site is bordered by the Thunder Bay River to the southwest and Lake Huron to east and south. Depth to groundwater ranges across the site from approximately 3 ½ to 11 ½ feet below ground surface.
See an aerial view of the location of the site.
The area is serviced by municipal water provided by the City of Alpena. The City of Alpena municipal water intake is within Lake Huron and is on routine monitoring as a Type I public drinking water supply. EGLE, DHHS, and local health reviewed well logs and did not identify any residential wells in the area.
EGLE will continue to engage with the responsible party to fulfill their regulatory obligations.