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Grayling Army Airfield (Grayling, Crawford County)

Grayling Army Airfield (Grayling, Crawford 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

Lisa Kruse, KruseL@Michigan.gov or 989-370-1424.

Background

Grayling Army Airfield is a 923-acre area where aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) was used and stored. The airfield is operated by the Army National Guard (ARNG). The area is northwest of downtown Grayling and is surrounded by residential and commercial properties.

Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meetings are scheduled every couple of months. The event details are posted on the MPART Public Meeting Calendar at Michigan.gov/MPARTevents. Visit the Camp Grayling RAB Website for additional information.

Content updated August 2024.

Map of Grayling Army Airfield PFAS

PFHxS map

See an aerial view of the PFHxS of the site.

Expand the PFHxS map
Map preview of the PFOA on the Grayling army airfield MPART site.

PFOA map

Show an aerial view of the PFOA of the site.

Expand the PFOA map
Map preview of the PFOS on the Grayling army airfield MPART site.

PFOS map

See an aerial view of the PFOS of the site.

Expand the PFOS map

Drinking water

MDHHS will be re-testing residential drinking water wells near the Grayling Army Airfield, Lake Margrethe, and Maneuver and Training Equipment Site (MATES) at Range 30 for PFAS. The testing will help MDHHS determine if there are changes to levels of PFAS in residents’ drinking water. There is no charge for the testing.  Households with detections of PFAS have been provided point of use filters and replacement cartridges by District Health Department #10. All residential well testing reflected on this report has been conducted by EGLE.

EGLE’s contractor, AECOM, will continue to monitor new residential sampling requests and call residents to set up sampling dates and times as directed by EGLE.

ARNG is also conducting residential sampling in select areas. Residents in these areas will be sent Army Corp of Engineers letters asking for access.  ARNG needs to verify DHHS and EGLE data to provide remedy to residents in the area.

Municipal water has been chosen by stakeholders to be the best final solution for providing safe drinking water to residents. Municipal water extensions are planned for the Grayling Army Airfield area starting in summer 2025. Grayling Township has been awarded $26.5 million in grant funds by EGLE to start the project in Fall 2024. ARNG will also be providing financial support starting in Fall 2024.

 

Anticipated activities

EGLE continues to review incoming data, continue to monitor new residential sampling requests and call residents to set up sampling dates and times. EGLE will continue sampling of monitoring wells in the Grayling area and will continue to review ARNG reports and workplans in a timely manner to facilitate ongoing work.

Military update

  • Remedial Investigation field activities conducted in 2022. RI report and Human Health Risk Assessment currently in development.
  • A Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA) to remedy 17 residences and businesses with drinking water exceeding the 70 ppt PFOA+PFOS EPA Lifetime Health Advisory is complete. Where available, water hookups to municipal water have been completed. Fourteen drinking water wells have received whole-house filtration system installations and are being monitored quarterly to confirmed performance.
  • The Risk Assessment phase is currently underway.
 

Historical Timeline

  • Results

    The Camp Grayling environmental staff regularly monitor a number of environmental factors at the camp and airfield to ensure safety, compliance with state and federal regulations, and to proactively detect and remedy potential problems. The most recent proactive measure was to test water samples for PFAS. A few of the samples detected PFOA+PFOS at levels above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA). 

    Documents

    • In May 2017, the MDMVA notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) that groundwater samples on the Grayling Army Airfield tested positive for PFOA/PFOS.
    • In June 2017, EGLE began testing private residential wells due to the groundwater results from on-base at the Grayling Army Airfield. Private well sampling continues currently as requests come in. Filters have been provided to residents with detections of more than 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA, and ongoing discussions are needed to determine if filters should be provided to additional homes until a long-term solution is identified.
    • In June 2017, two wells were sampled at the Timberly Village Mobile Home Community. Results showed low levels of PFAS. 
      • Follow-up samples were collected in August 2017 and results of these samples confirmed the initial sample results.
      • Notification to the approximately 60 residents in 25 mobile homes was provided by the owner.
    • Between Fall 2017 and Winter 2018, EGLE collected 43 environmental boring samples.
    • Beginning July 10, 2018, EGLE started monitoring well installations, with 73 monitoring wells installed at 20 locations. Currently, data is being evaluated and maps developed to assist in determining next steps. A Technical Report is due in March 2019.
    • On May 29, 2018, EGLE hosted a meeting to update local officials on the status of the investigation.
    • On December 11, 2018, EGLE hosted a Public Meeting for the community.
    • On December 20, 2018 AECOM collected six residential drinking water samples. Results were received on January 17, 2019.
    • On February 6, 2019 AECOM collected one (1) residential drinking water sample. Results were received on February 21, 2019.
    • AECOM completed the 2nd round of Remedial Investigation (RI) groundwater monitoring on February 8, 2019.
    • On March 12, 2019 AECOM collected three (3) residential drinking water samples. Results were received on April 3, 2019.
    • On June 5, 2019, there was a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) community meeting for the Grayling Area to learn about the RAB process, how a RAB functions, and the change to fill out a Community Member Interest Form. Applications are due by June 10 and the first RAB meeting will be announced after applications are reviewed.
    • AECOM collected three (3) residential drinking water samples on June 12, 2019. Results were received on July 11, 2019.
    • The Army National Guard hosted an open public meeting from 7:30-8:30 on June 25, 2019 at Kirtland Community College, 4800 W 4 Mile Rd, Grayling, to discuss plans to provide alternative drinking water to property owners with wells over 70 ppt of PFOA and PFOS.
    • AECOM collected one (1) residential drinking water sample on July 9, 2019. Results were received on August 1, 2019.
    • AECOM submitted the Remedial Investigation Report on July 9. 2019.
    • EGLE held a Town Hall PFAS Informational Meeting on August 1, 2019 at Kirtland Community College to present results of recent environmental investigations.
    • AECOM collected five (5) residential well samples on July 30-31, 2019. Results are expected August 23, 2019.
    • On August 14-15, 2019, AECOM collected six (6) residential well samples.
    • On September 9, 2019, AECOM collected six (6) residential well samples.
    • On September 30, 2019, Phase III Remedial Investigation activities began.
    • A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting was held on October 7, 2019. The meeting focused primarily on developing RAB meeting operating procedures. Updates on progress were given by the DMVA, DNR, and EGLE. A presentation on regional hydrogeology was also given by EGLE.
    • On October 28, 2019, AECOM collected eight (8) new residential well samples and re-sampled 1 residential well.
    • On November 6, 2019, a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting was held. The meeting focused primarily on finalizing RAB meeting operating procedures and RAB communication with the public. Progress updates were given by the DMVA and EGLE. A presentation on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process was given by DMVA.  
    • On December 11, 2019, a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting was held. Progress updates were given by the DMVA and EGLE. A presentation on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process was given by DMVA. Eric Keller, Regional Director for Senator Gary Peters, gave an update on PFAS at the federal level.
    • On December 19, 2019, AECOM completed the fourth quarterly groundwater sampling event.
    • On January 13, 2020, a Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting was held. Progress updates were given by DMVA, EGLE and DHHS. Sesha Kallakuri (MDHHS) gave a presentation on risk assessment and DHHS Drinking Water Screening Levels. The RAB members continued to develop their outreach and communications plans.
    • On January 30, 2020, AECOM completed drilling field work associated with Phase III of the Remedial Investigation (RI). 
    • On February 10-21, 202, AECOM sampled Phase III RI monitoring wells.
    • On February 20, 2020, a Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting was held. Progress updates were given by DMVA, EGLE and DHHS. Recent and future RAB outreach was discussed and the final RAB brochure was released.
    • On April 2, 2020, AECOM completed the first Phase III quarterly sampling event. 
    • On May 27, 2020, a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) was held. Progress updates were given by DMVA, EGLE, and DHHS.
    • On June 15, 2020, AECOM completed the June 2020 quarterly groundwater sampling event.

    • On July 22, 2020, a Camp Grayling RAB Virtual Meeting was held. Updates were given by DMVA, DHHS, and EGLE.

    • On September 4, 2020, DHHS finished the first round of drinking water well resampling.
    • On September 23, 2020, AECOM collected one (1) residential drinking water sample.
    • On September 24, 2020, a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) was held. Progress updates were given by DMVA, DHHS, and EGLE.
    • On September 30, 2020, AECOM completed the September 2020 quarterly groundwater sampling event.
    • On December 1, 2020, a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) was held. Progress updates were given by the Army National Guard, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

    Historical Sampling Chart: data is reflective of criteria prior to 8/3/2020:
    PFOS + PFOA Only
    This chart reflects data received prior to 8/3/2020.

    Type of Sample

    Date Sampled

    Number of Samples

    Number of Results Received

    Number of Non-detects

    Number Between Non-detect and standard*

    Number of > Standard
    Drinking Water (Residential, Type I & II) Through
    April 6, 2021    		 730 730 491 222 17

    Groundwater

    		 Through
    April 6, 2021    		 937 904 503 346 55
    Cumulative   1,667 1,629 994 568 72

     

    *Groundwater results are compared to EGLE Part 201 Criteria of 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA.
    *Residential well results are compared to the USEPA LHA of 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

    Sampling Notes:

    • All sample counts and activities reflect "off-base" sampling efforts only.
    • Sample results in the above table are from EGLE and Michigan National Guard combined.    

    Historical Timeline Continued:

    • On September 4, 2020, DHHS finished the first round of drinking water well resampling.
    • On September 23, 2020, AECOM collected one (1) residential drinking water sample.
    • On September 24, 2020, a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) was held. Progress updates were given by DMVA, DHHS, and EGLE.
    • On September 30, 2020, AECOM completed the September 2020 quarterly groundwater sampling event. On December 1, 2020, a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) was held. Progress updates were given by the Army National Guard, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
    • On March 26, 2021, a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) was held. Progress updates were given by the Army National Guard, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
    • On January 21, 2021, AECOM collected drinking water samples from two residential wells.
    • On April 26, 2021, a virtual town hall for Camp Grayling PFAS sites was held. The purpose of this online public meeting was to update the community about the on-going PFAS investigations and drinking water well resampling efforts.
    • On May 11, 2021, The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that a second round of resampling of residential drinking water wells would begin.
    • June 9, 2021, a Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting was held.
    • On August 25, 2021, a Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting was held.
    • On September 9, 2021, MPART hosted a virtual town hall. Updates were presented by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA), and Army National Guard (ARNG).
    • On November 2, 2021, a Camp Grayling RAB Meeting was held. Army National Guard gave updates on residential well resampling and the need for access agreements from homeowners that previously tested over Michigan drinking water criteria. The Army National Guard needs its own data to take action on homes exceeding criteria. They will continue resampling residential wells around Grayling Army Airfield in Spring 2022.
    • On January 28, 2022, EGLE published the report of Phase III Grayling Area PFAS Investigation. The report can be found below under reports and documents. It has also been posted to the RAB website.
    • On February 1, 2022, a Grayling Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting was held. ARNG presented the rapid site characterization process at the airfield that started in Fall 2021 and will finish in Summer 2022.
    • On February 2-3, 2022, AECOM collected groundwater samples from a subset of the existing monitoring wells.
    • On May 10, 2022, a Camp Grayling Public Meeting was held at Kirtland Community College. PFAS investigation updates were given by EGLE, ARNG, and DHHS.
    • On July 13, 2022, a Restoration Advisory Board meeting was held at Grayling Township Hall.
    • On August 5, 2022, EGLE’s contractor finished a round of biannual sampling from monitoring wells located around Grayling Army Airfield.
    • On September 27, 2022, a SourceStop demonstration was held for the Camp Grayling RAB at one of the airfield PFAS source areas. This beta test treatment is being implemented as a pilot study at the GAAF in an area of known PFAS contamination. A short presentation was given by the contract company and a site visit took place after the presentation to show the test treatment being utilized.
    • On November 21, 2022, a Camp Grayling RAB meeting was held. Updates on the drinking water sampling efforts around the airfield were provided by ARNG and DHHS. An update on the remedial investigation field work at the airfield was provided by ARNG.
    • On January 17, 2023, a Camp Grayling RAB meeting was held to discuss updates pertaining to the Camp Grayling investigations.
    • On April 11, 2023, EGLE finalized the Camp Grayling, Grayling Army Airfield, Groundwater Monitoring Report 2019 through 2022.
    • On May 16, 2023, a Camp Grayling RAB meeting was held to provide updates on the Camp Grayling investigations. The day included a visit from Office of Secretary of Defense, Environment and Energy Resilience staff, to conduct interviews with regulators and RAB members for the Environmental Cleanup Communication and Outreach Initiative.
    • On August 3, 2023, EGLE provided comment on the ARNG Draft Community Involvement Plan - Camp Grayling, MI.
    • On April 3, 4, and 5, 2024, Grayling Township, EGLE, DHHS, DHD10, and DMVA held municipal water meetings for the initial phase of residents set to receive municipal water in 2025.  Specifics of the project were explained such as: no cost to residents (fully grant-funded), the need to abandon wells, and timeline of the project.
    • On May 15, 2024, a Town Hall was held to discuss investigation updates, EGLE grant funds awarded to Grayling Township, Grayling Township’s municipal water extensions, ARNG commitment to municipal water extensions, and ARNG’s proposal for a permeable reactive barrier to limit offsite migration of PFAS in the aquifer.

    Sampling Results Summary

    This table was updated to include all seven PFAS criteria effective 12/21/2020.

    Type of Sample

    Date Sampled
    (or range)

    Number of Sample
    Results Received

    Number of Samples above Criteria
    Residential Wells Through August 5, 2022 749 138

    Groundwater Monitoring Wells

    		 Through August 5, 2022 966 259

    *Residential well and groundwater monitoring well results are compared to EGLE Part 201 criteria for 7 PFAS: PFOS (16 ppt), PFOA (8 ppt), PFNA (6 ppt), PFHxS (51 ppt), PFHxA (400,000 ppt), PFBS (420 ppt), and HFPO-DA (370 ppt).

    Sampling Notes

    • All sample counts and activities reflect “off-base” sampling efforts only.
    • Sample results in the above table are from EGLE and Michigan Army National Guard combined.
    • Other PFAS analytes were detected in samples. There are no federal or state standards for these analytes.