Oscoda Area (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

Megan Berry, BerryM5@Michigan.gov, or 989-295-3877.

Waste Disposal Questions

Please note that this landfill is CLOSED and does not accept waste.

Background

Several individual PFAS sites have been identified in the Oscoda area and near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (WAFB). Many of the sites were identified when the department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) initiated sampling activities in areas where PFAS use or disposal was suspected. Other sites were found by area-wide residential well sampling efforts and investigations completed to help understand where PFAS was being found in groundwater community wide. EGLE's contractor also conducted sampling to better understand potential impacts from the former WAFB. Because the Oscoda Area and former WAFB investigation activities are somewhat intertwined, please visit the Former WAFB page at Michigan.gov/Wurtsmith for more information.

The Oscoda Area PFAS sites identified by EGLE's investigation efforts include:

Colbath Road
Loud Drive
Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads
McDonald Store Fire
Oscoda Township Dump
AuSable Township Smith Street Area

Details regarding each of these sites are provided and retained under their respective timelines below.

Content posted December 2022.

Oscoda area site boundaries

View the Oscoda Area site boundaries on a map along with the Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base boundaries.

Download map

Oscoda area documents

PFAS in deer in the Oscoda area

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

Report foam

Community engagement

Air Force Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meetings are scheduled quarterly. For more information, visit the Wurtsmith RAB website.

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

Anticipated activities

EGLE will continue to coordinate sampling of several monitoring wells throughout the Oscoda Area on a quarterly basis. Monitoring wells will be sampled in the Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest/River Roads and Au Sable Township areas.
Monthly coordination calls will be held between EGLE and several parties including, but not limited to, DHHS, DHD2, Oscoda Township and Au Sable Township.

Drinking water information

DHHS 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.

Testing is currently underway and DHHS is contacting residents by letter and by phone to schedule water collection appointments. Seasonal residents who are away for the winter can schedule an appointment at a later date.

The goal of the repeat testing is to:

Determine if PFAS is in residential wells
If so, the amount
If the amount of PFAS is increasing, decreasing, or remaining the same over time

DHHS will be retesting these drinking water wells in coordination with EGLE, and DHD2. Residents who have questions about this PFAS testing effort or who would like to schedule an appointment can call the DHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.

212 households have been provided filters by DHD2 and 284 filter replacements have been conducted (as of 2/2/22).
50 households were provided water coolers by DHD2 (as of 2/2/22).
29 households have been connected to municipal water (as of 2/2/22).

Sampling results summary

Type of Sample	Date Sampled (or range)	Number of Sample Results Received	Number of Samples above Criteria*
Groundwater Monitoring Wells	July 2020 - July 2022	228	89
Drinking Water Wells	January 2020	8	0
Surface Water	July 2020 - July 2022	7	0

* Residential well and groundwater monitoring well results on this table were collected by EGLE and are compared to EGLE's Part 201 criteria for 7 PFAS compounds: PFOS (16 ppt), PFOA (8 ppt), PFNA (6 ppt), PFHxS (51 ppt), PFHxA (400,000 ppt), PFBS (420 ppt), and HFPO-DA (370 ppt).
* Surface water samples are compared to Rule 57 non-drinking water values of 12 ppt for PFOS and 12,000 ppt for PFOA.

Additional sampling data can be found on the Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base site page.

Sampling Notes

On August 3, 2020 and December 21, 2020, a total of 7 PFAS compounds became effective under Part 201 Criteria. Historical sampling data was compared to the old Part 201 Criteria of 70ppt for PFOS+PFOA and is captured in the historical timeline below.

Historical timeline

A primary site of contamination in Oscoda is the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. EGLE became aware of PFAS at this site of contamination in March 2010 because of sampling performed at a former fire training site on the base.

As environmental investigations have progressed, several additional PFAS sites have been identified in the Oscoda Area. The sites include Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, McDonald Store Fire, Oscoda Township Dump, and AuSable Township Smith Street Area.

Fires at the McDonald Store and the Oscoda Schools storage building were reportedly put out using AFFF by the WAFB Fire Department under a mutual aid agreement.

Updates spanning multiple locations

On February 22, 2019, EGLE staff finalized the Au Sable River Sediment Sampling Report and distributed it.
On March 5 - 7, 2019, EGLE sampled residential drinking water wells around the Oscoda Township Dump, Colbath Road Area, Loud Drive, and other Oscoda areas.
On April 15 and 26, 2019, EGLE completed spring sampling of selected monitor wells (Loud, Colbath, River Roads).
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.
On June 13, 2019, EGLE coordinated sampling of surface water and several residential drinking water wells in the Oscoda Area.
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.
The week of July 22, 2019, EGLE Water Resources Division took fish samples at the mouth of the Au Sable River and surface water samples from Van Etten and Cedar Lakes.
On August 16, 2019, EGLE staff including Director Clark and MPART Executive Director, Steve Sliver, met with Representative Allor and Oscoda Township officials to discuss and tour the Oscoda area.
On September 13, 2019, EGLE Staff, including MPART Executive Director, Steve Sliver, met with Au Sable Township Officials to discuss EGLE's plans to investigate PFAS in two cluster wells installed by EGLE. Staff also met with the NOW group later that day.
On November 18, 2019, Van Etten Lake and Whispering Pines investigations and data were transferred from the Oscoda Area page to the Former WAFB MPART page. This data better aligns with investigations completed in association with the former base.
On December 6, 2019, EGLE participated in a conference call with Oscoda and Au Sable Township officials, Need Our Water (NOW) group representatives, MDHHS and legislative representatives to discuss the Oscoda Area and former WAFB.
In January 2020, EGLE's consultant completed quarterly groundwater sampling of several monitoring wells throughout the Oscoda Area.
On January 24, 2020, EGLE staff, including MPART Executive Director, Steve Sliver and Remediation and Redevelopment Division Director, Mike Neller, met with AuSable Township officials to answer questions and discuss PFAS investigation work completed in AuSable Township in October. Staff also met with the NOW group later that afternoon to present an updated Conceptual Site Model for the Van Etten Lake area, answer questions and share new data collected by EGLE in the Oscoda area.
During the week of April 13, 2020, EGLE's consultant completed quarterly groundwater sampling of several monitoring wells throughout the Oscoda Area.
On April 15, 2020, the Air Force hosted the Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board Meeting electronically.
In July 2020, Oscoda Township submitted an EGLE Drinking Water Revolving Fund Project Plan to propose municipal water line extension work in several locations throughout the Oscoda area.
On July 15 and16, 2020, a quarterly groundwater sampling event was completed. Monitoring wells were sampled in the Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Smith Street Areas.
On July 21, 2020 MPART hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting to share new information with the community and give individuals an opportunity to ask questions.
On July 22, 2020, the Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting.

Historical Sampling Table: data is reflective of criteria prior to August 3, 2020:
PFOS + PFOA Only
This table reflects data received prior to August 3, 2020.
Type of Sample	Date Sampled	# of Samples	# of Results Received	# of Non-detects	# Between Non-detect and standard*	#>Standard
Groundwater	Oct 2019 - Apr 2020	111	111	33	77	1
Residential Wells	Sep 2015 - Nov 2019	403	403	129	272	2
Surface Water	Oct 2019 - Apr 2020	7	7	0	7	0
Cumulative		521	521	162	356	3

*Groundwater results are compared to EGLE Part 201 Criteria of 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA.
*Residential well results are compared to the EPA LHA of 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA.
*Surface water results are compared to Rule 57 surface water quality values of 12ppt for PFOS and 12,000ppt for PFOA.

Historic Sampling Notes:
Residential well sampling results on the table above reflect results from the entire Oscoda Area, including the former WAFB.
Oscoda Area groundwater and surface water results included on this table are from October 2019 to April 2020.

On September 28, 2020 a virtual meeting took place with EGLE, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), District Health Department #2 (DHD2) and the Not Our Water (NOW) community group.
On October 20, 2020, a virtual town hall meeting was held to update residents on continuing investigation of PFAS near the Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda area sites. EGLE, DHHS, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) along with DHD2 hosted the meeting.
On October 21, 2020, the Air Force hosted a virtual Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting.
On October 27-29, 2020, EGLE's consultant conducted a quarterly groundwater sampling event. Monitoring wells were sampled in the Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Areas.
In November 2020, several historic investigation reports for the Oscoda Area sites were added to the Resources and Documents section of this page. Figures depicting the results of EGLE's July 2020 quarterly groundwater monitoring event and a table summarizing the results of quarterly groundwater monitoring for the past year were also added to the Resources section.
In November 2020, EGLE staff identified several residential properties with private wells in Au Sable Township located in the vicinity of an EGLE groundwater monitoring well that exceeded drinking water cleanup criteria for PFOA. Letters requesting access to conduct drinking water sampling were mailed to 14 potentially impacted property owners in December. Eight homeowners approved sampling and it was conducted by EGLE's contractor free of charge in January 2021.
On January 13, 2021, a virtual meeting took place between several state agencies and the Not Our Water (NOW) community group.
On January 19, 2021, a virtual town hall meeting was held to update residents on continuing investigations of PFAS near the Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda area sites. EGLE and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), along with District Health Department #2 (DHD2) hosted the meeting.
On January 20, 2021, the Air Force hosted a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) virtual meeting.
On January 26-29, 2021, EGLE's consultant conducted a quarterly groundwater sampling event. Monitoring wells were sampled in the Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Areas.
In February 2021, EGLE received the results of the January Au Sable Township residential well sampling and Oscoda area quarterly groundwater monitoring well sampling. The results are included in the Sampling Results Summary table below and in the individual Oscoda area site write-ups where applicable.
The "Annual Oscoda Area PFAS Groundwater Monitoring Report October 2019 - July 2020" dated February 12, 2021, was added to the Oscoda Area Documents page located on the top and bottom of this webpage. Figures and a summary table that include groundwater results for the October 2020 quarterly monitoring event have also been added.
- February 12, 2021 - Annual Oscoda Area PFAS Groundwater Monitoring Report October 2019 - July 2020 NOTE: Appendices A and B total 4,023 pages and are available upon request; contact GossonL@Michigan.gov
- February 25, 2021 - Oscoda Area PFAS GSU Monitoring Well Sampling Analytical Results Year 2 Quarter 1
- February 22, 2021 - Oscoda Area PFAS GSU Monitoring Well Sampling Figures Year 2 Quarter 1
On April 5-7, 2021, EGLE's consultant conducted a quarterly groundwater sampling event. Monitoring wells were sampled in the Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Areas.
On April 6, 2021, a virtual meeting took place between several state agencies and the Need Our Water (NOW) community group.
On April 20, 2021, a virtual community meeting was held to update residents on continuing investigations of PFAS near the Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda area sites. EGLE and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), along with District Health Department #2 (DHD2) hosted the meeting.
On April 21, 2021, the Air Force hosted a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) virtual meeting.
On April 26, 28, & 29, 2021, EGLE received the results of the April Oscoda area quarterly groundwater monitoring well sampling. The results are included in the Sampling Results Summary table and in the individual Oscoda area site write-ups where applicable.
In May 2021 new figures and a summary table that included ground water results for the January 2021 quarterly monitoring event were added to the Oscoda Area Documents page.
In July 2021, new figures and a summary table that include groundwater results for an April 2021 quarterly monitoring event were added to the “All Oscoda Area Documents” tab located on the top and bottom of this webpage. The “Au Sable River Boat Launch PFAS Investigation and Monitoring Report” dated June 18, 2021, was also added.
On July 14, 2021, a virtual meeting took place between several state agencies and the NOW community group.
The week of July 19, 2021, EGLE’s consultant conducted a groundwater sampling event. Monitoring wells were sampled in the Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Areas. EGLE received the laboratory results for this event in September 2021.The results are discussed in the respective Oscoda Area site write-ups and are included in the Sampling Results Summary table.
On July 20, 2021, a virtual community meeting to update residents on activities associated with WAFB and the Oscoda Area sites and a Restoration Advisory Board meeting for the former WAFB was held on July 21, 2021.
The week of October 11, 2021, EGLE’s consultant conducted a groundwater sampling event. Monitoring wells were sampled in Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Areas.
In October 2021, four new documents were added to the “All Oscoda Area Documents” tab. New figures and a summary table that include groundwater results for the July 2021 quarterly monitoring event, a May 2021 Factsheet about What to Know about PFAS in the Oscoda Area and a January 2019 investigation report for the Oscoda Township Dump were added.
On November 3, 2021, a virtual community meeting was held to update residents on activities associated with WAFB and the Oscoda Area sites.
On November 8, 2021, a virtual meeting took place between several state agencies and the NOW community group.
The week of January 24, 2022, EGLE’s consultant conducted a groundwater sampling event. Monitoring wells were sampled in Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Areas.
On February 2, 2022, a virtual meeting was held between several state agencies and the NOW community group.
On March 2, 2022, a virtual community meeting was held to update residents on activities associated with WAFB and the Oscoda Area sites.
On May 11, 2022, a virtual meeting was held between several state agencies and the NOW community group.
The week of June 6, 2022, EGLE’s consultant conducted an expanded investigation at the McDonald’s Store Fire site. Soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment samples were collected.
On June 22, 2022, a virtual community meeting to update residents on activities associated with the WAFB and the Oscoda Area sites was held.
The week of July 11, 2022, EGLE’s consultant conducted a groundwater sampling event. Monitoring wells were sampled in Colbath Road, Loud Drive, Oscoda Area Schools/Pinecrest and River Roads, and Au Sable Township Areas.

AuSable Township Smith Street Area
This site is located immediately south of the AuSable River in northeastern AuSable Township. In 2017 and 2018, EGLE installed several monitoring wells in the Oscoda area to better understand where PFAS may be found in groundwater throughout the community. Sample results from two wells installed in the vicinity of Smith Street and the DNR boat launch in AuSable Township had somewhat elevated total PFAS concentrations. The detections did not exceed the LHA of 70 ppt for PFOA+PFOS, but due to the unknown origin of the PFAS EGLE implemented a limited investigation in this area to help determine the possible source and extent. The investigation, conducted in October 2019, identified one groundwater sample with a PFOA+PFOS concentration of 133.1 ppt. The source of this elevated level is unknown and additional sampling will be conducted.

Groundwater flow in the investigation area was determined to be northeast toward the AuSable River and Lake Huron.

In October 2019, EGLE investigated the groundwater and surface water in the vicinity of Smith Street and the DNR boat launch in AuSable Township.

In late October and early November 2019, EGLE received the results of the October sampling and identified one groundwater sample location with a result above the LHA of 70 ppt PFOA+PFOS.

The week of November 4, 2019, EGLE notified AuSable Township, the local health department, and DHHS of the groundwater exceedance. The area surrounding the exceedance was determined to have municipal water service available. As a precaution EGLE decided to canvass the immediate vicinity to determine if any private drinking water wells were present.

On November 7, 2019, EGLE staff and AECOM (EGLE's consultant) canvassed 25 homes. Most homes were determined to be on municipal water or did not answer their door. Door hangers with EGLE contact information were left at the non-responsive homes. One home was identified as having a private well and was sampled.

On December 5, 2019, EGLE received the results for the private drinking water well sample collected in November and all PFAS compounds were below detection levels.

On January 14, 2020, EGLE staff sent DHHS a list of 4 addresses suspected or believed to have private drinking water wells in the vicinity of the AuSable investigation area. DHHS is planning to begin a residential well sampling initiative in 2020 and will try to contact the 4 residents to include them in their sampling plan.

During the week of January 20, 2020, several of the AuSable Township groundwater monitoring locations and one surface water location were resampled. Results ranged from ND to 44.6 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In April 2020, nine AuSable Township Smith Street Area groundwater samples and one surface water sample we collected. Results ranged from ND to 46.9 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In July 2020, EGLE sampled 8 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water sample in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from ND to 32.5 ppt PFOA and ND to 36.1 ppt PFOS and are reflected on the sampling table.

In October 2021, EGLE sampled 7 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water sample in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from 6 to 24.7 ppt PFOA, ND to 47 ppt PFOS and 1.6 to 20.7 ppt PFHxS. All results are reflected on the sampling chart.

In October 2020, EGLE sampled 8 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water sample in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from ND to 27.5 ppt PFOA and ND to 64.3 ppt PFOS and are reflected on the sampling chart.

In January 2021, EGLE sampled 8 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water sample in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from ND to 25.2 ppt PFOA, ND to 31.7 ppt PFOS and ND to 22.8 ppt PFHxS. All results are reflected on the sampling chart.

In April 2021, EGLE sampled 5 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water samples in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from ND to 28.7 ppt PFOA, ND to 30.7 ppt PFOS, and ND to 20.9 ppt PFHxS. All results are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.

In July 2021, EGLE sampled 7 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water sample in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from 5.11 to 26.6 ppt for PFOA, ND to 52.1 ppt for PFOS, and 1.37 to 20.2 ppt for PFHxS. All results are reflected on the sampling chart.

In October 2021, EGLE sampled 7 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water sample in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from 6 to 24.7 ppt PFOA, ND to 47 ppt PFOS and 1.6 to 20.7 ppt PFHxS. All results are reflected on the sampling chart.

In January 2022, EGLE sampled 7 monitoring wells in the Smith Street area. Results ranged from 3.1 to 24.9 ppt for PFOA, ND to 19.4 ppt for PFOS, and 1.0 to 9.5 ppt for PFHxS. All results are reflected on the sampling chart.

In July 2022, EGLE sampled 8 monitoring wells and collected 1 surface water sample in the Smith Street Area. Groundwater results ranged from 3.5 to 20.5 ppt PFOA, ND to 23 ppt PFOS and ND to 19.0 ppt PFHxS. All results are reflected on the sampling chart.
Colbath Road
Beginning on October 21, 2016 RRD's Geological Services Unit (GSU) completed two soil borings, conducted vertical aquifer sampling (VAS), and installed four monitor wells in the Colbath Road area to help determine the extent of PFAS contamination from alleged use of firefighting foam to put out fires in the area. Results from the VAS sampling and the four wells found PFOA + PFOS ranging from ND to 31 ppt.

Beginning on March 21, 2017, a Phase 2 investigation was conducted consisting of installation and sampling of an additional 6 monitor wells along Alexander and Colbath Roads.

On February 6. 2018, EGLE conducted seasonal sampling of selected existing monitor wells in the Colbath Road area.

EGLE sampled additional residential homes in this area. No homes were found to be above 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

On September 26 and 27, 2018, EGLE sampled 6 Colbath Road monitor wells again. Results ranged from ND to 46.86 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In late October/early November 2018, EGLE sampled residential wells in these areas, along with the Loud Drive area. No residential well samples were above the USEPA's Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA) of 70 ppt for PFOA/PFOS.

On December 3 and 4, 2018, a boring was conducted, and groundwater was sampled near the northeast corner of Colbath Road and F-41. The results of that sample found PFOA at 5 ppt and PFOS at 3 ppt.

Staff received the final report on the boring (CR-B-2) and groundwater sample at the NE corner of F-41 and Colbath Road. PFOA was found at 5.28 ppt and PFOS at 3.47 ppt.

In October 2019, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from ND to 15 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In January 2020, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from ND to 48.81 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In April 2020, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from ND to 51.6 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In July 2020, EGLE sampled 2 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from 3.4 to 4.4 ppt PFOA and 6.0 to 25.4 ppt PFOS and are reflected on the sampling table.

In October 2020, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from ND to 26.8 ppt PFOS and ND to 3.85 ppt PFOA and are reflected on the sampling chart.

In January 2021, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from ND to 36.5 ppt PFOS, ND to 8.07 ppt PFOA and ND to 21.1ppt PFHxS and are reflected on the sampling chart.

In April 2021, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from ND to 55.0 ppt PFOS, ND to 10.9 ppt PFOA and ND to 12.1 ppt PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.

In January 2022, EGLE sampled 2 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from 7.6 to 59.2 ppt PFOS, 2.2 to 4.7 ppt for PFOA and 9.8 to 10.5 ppt PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.

EGLE plans to continue quarterly or semi-annual groundwater monitoring in this area.

In July 2022, EGLE sampled 2 monitoring wells in the Colbath area. Results ranged from 6.9 to 42.7 ppt PFOS, 1.8 to 5.7 ppt for PFOA and 9.7 to 17.8 ppt PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.
Loud Drive
In May 2016, a resident of Loud Drive called Saginaw Bay District Staff and inquired about drinking water results from a sample she had taken from her home. Her sample contained tetrachloroethylene above the health-based drinking water criteria. Staff arranged for a confirmatory sample to be taken; an additional sample was also taken for PFAS compounds. The result of that sample confirmed that tetrachloroethylene was present and that PFAS was also present in the well.

In October 2016, based on the results of residential well samples along Loud Drive, RRD's Geological Services Unit (GSU) completed 8 borings, conducted vertical aquifer sampling (VAS), and installed 2 monitor wells along Loud Drive, another well at the corner of Spruce and Stewart, and a well at the end of Interlake Drive (Interlake and Ridge). None of the groundwater VAS or monitor well samples were above the LHA.

A Phase 2 Investigation was conducted by GSU beginning on March 22, 2017 which consisted of two borings with VAS conducted on the bottom lands of Van Etten Lake after the lake level was lowered for the winter. Low levels of PFOA were found (<2 ppt) and no PFOS was detected. However, total PFAS was found as high as 98 ppt in one of the sample intervals. A surface water sample was also collected during the borings with PFOA at 1.7 ppt and PFOS at 2.6 ppt. Total PFAS was 20.2 ppt.

On February 6, 2018, EGLE sampled the groundwater monitoring wells on Loud, Spruce, and Interlake Drive. No sample was above the LHA.

On July 29, 2019, Oscoda Township submitted a permit to construct a watermain along Loud Drive and has received bids.

On September 25, 2018, EGLE sampled the groundwater wells again. Results ranged from non-detect to 5.23 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In October 2019, EGLE sampled 5 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from ND to 13.3 PFOS+PFOA.

In January 2020, EGLE sampled 5 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from 1.9 to 19.11 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In April 2020, EGLE sampled 7 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from 1.7 to 17.9 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In Summer 2020, Oscoda Township constructed a watermain along Loud Drive that was proposed to serve 139 homes.

In July 2020, EGLE sampled 7 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from ND to 19.8 ppt PFOA and ND to 4.3 ppt PFOS and are reflected on the sampling table.

In October 2020, EGLE sampled 6 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from 1.41 to 22.4 ppt PFOA and ND to 5.21 ppt PFOS and are reflected on the sampling chart.

In January 2021, EGLE sampled 9 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from ND to 25.1 ppt PFOA, ND to 6.03 ppt PFOS and ND to 103 ppt PFHxS and are reflected on the sampling chart.

In April 2021, EGLE sampled 9 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from ND to 19.3 ppt PFOA, ND to 4.5 ppt PFOS, and ND to 82.4 ppt PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.

In October 2021, EGLE sampled 7 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from ND to 24.3 ppt PFOA, ND to 4.4 ppt PFOS, and ND to 70 ppt PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.

In January 2022, EGLE sampled 8 monitoring wells in the vicinity of loud Drive. Results ranged from ND to 22.9 ppt for PFOA, ND to 3.8 ppt for PFOS, and ND to 88.9 ppt for PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.

EGLE plans to continue quarterly or semi-annual groundwater monitoring in this area.

In June 2022, EGLE sampled 14 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Loud Drive. Results ranged from ND to 23.0 ppt for PFOA, ND to 4.3 ppt for PFOS, and ND to 67.0 ppt for PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.
McDonald Store Fire
The McDonald store was destroyed by a fire on December 25, 1992. The fire was eventually put out by a fire crew from Wurtsmith AFB using AFFF on December 26. Local residents stated so much foam was used that foam "flowed across F-41".

DLZ, EGLE's consultant developed a work plan for site investigation to determine the nature and extent of PFAS contamination at McDonald Store in November 2017.

In July 2018, EGLE conducted sampling of soil, surface water and sediments from Hill Creek.

Soil: highest total PFAS-350,779,000 ppt

Sediments: highest total PFAS-4,047,600 ppt

Surface water: highest total PFAS 10.1 ppt.

Staff received the final report for the July 2018 sampling event from DLZ in February 2019.

Further investigation was conducted in June 2022 at the Mc Donald store fire area.

Soil: highest total PFAS – 730.875 ppb

Groundwater: highest total PFAS – 30,249.5 ppt

Sediments: highest total PFAS – 245.54 ppb

Surface water: highest total PFAS – 31.97 ppt
Oscoda Area Schools and Pinecrest and River Roads
On October 18, 1995, a fire in the storage building at Oscoda Schools was extinguished with AFFF after the local fire department was unable to put out the fire using water.

Beginning on October 25, 2016 RRD's Geological Services Unit (GSU) completed one soil boring, conducted vertical aquifer sampling (VAS), and installed 5 monitor wells in the Pinecrest/River Road area to help determine the extent of PFAS contamination from the use of firefighting foam to put out a building fire at the school bus garage area. Results from the VAS sampling and the four wells found PFOA and PFOS ranging from 2.3 ppt to 191 ppt.

On March 23, 2017, GSU conducted a Phase 2 investigation consisted of two borings, performed VAS, and installed a monitor well. The results of the groundwater sampling ranged from ND to 191 ppt (PFOA and PFOS).

On February 7, 2018, EGLE sampled existing monitoring wells and drinking water wells at Oscoda Area Schools/River Road.

On September 25, 2018, EGLE sampled 4 monitor wells in this area. Results ranged from 7.2 ppt to 99.2 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

As of October 13, 2018, Oscoda Area Schools are now hooked up to the municipal water system. Municipal service does not extend north of River Road into the Pinecrest neighborhood.

In October 2019, EGLE sampled 6 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from ND to 47.1 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In January 2020, EGLE sampled 6 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from 1.87 to 55.46 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In April 2020, EGLE sampled 6 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from ND to 64.6 ppt PFOS+PFOA.

In July 2020, EGLE sampled 5 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from ND to 33.7 ppt PFOA and ND to 150 ppt PFOS and are reflected on the sampling table.

In October 2020, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from ND to 6.95 ppt PFOA and ND to 46.2 ppt PFOS and are reflected on the sampling chart.

In January 2021, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from 1.28 to 8.15 ppt PFOA, 15.9 to 31.7 ppt PFOS, and ND to 3.59 ppt PFHxS and are reflected on the sampling chart.

In April 2021, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from 4.53 to 13 ppt PFOA, 12.5 to 42.1 ppt PFOS, and ND to 5.36 ppt PFHxS and are included on the Sampling Results Summary table.

In October 2021, EGLE sampled 4 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from 2.8 to 9.5 ppt PFOA, 9.4 to 36.2 ppt PFOS and 1.4 to 4 ppt PFHxS and are included on the Sample Results Summary table.

In January 2022, EGLE sampled 4 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from ND to 29.7 ppt for PFOA, 12.2 to 33.3 ppt for PFOS, and ND to 4.0 ppt for PFHxS and are included in the Sample Results Summary table.

EGLE plans to continue quarterly or semi-annual groundwater monitoring in this area.

In July 2022, EGLE sampled 3 monitoring wells in the vicinity of Oscoda Area Schools. Results ranged from 7.6 to 20.6 ppt for PFOA, 18.1 to 43.3 ppt for PFOS, and 1.4 to 5.7 ppt for PFHxS and are included in the Sample Results Summary table.
Oscoda Township Dump
This site is located in a rural area of Oscoda Township on Kings Corner Road, between Loud Drive and Poor Farm Road. Oscoda Township was concerned that PFAS-containing wastes were disposed of in the dump, based on a letter in the file from 1968 stating that waste from the Wurtsmith Air Force Base was being disposed of at the dump. The dump was operated as most dumps were during that time frame; with materials not properly buried or covered, open burning, and no control over entry.

An unnamed creek and Simpson Lake are located east of the site; the creek eventually flows into Van Etten Lake. Groundwater flow direction in the area is unknown, however, it is suspected to be to the southeast based on the location of nearby surface water features and the distribution of groundwater contamination around the perimeter of the dump. Groundwater flow should be determined when further investigation is completed to determine the nature and extent of the contamination.

On December 4, 2018, EGLE collected 16 groundwater samples from the perimeter of the Oscoda Township Dump.

On January 2, 2019, EGLE received the results from the December 2018 groundwater sampling. The highest result was 363.2 ppt PFOS+PFOA, and 618.83 total tested PFAS. The highest results were found at the south east corner of the dump.

Staff received the report (dated January 29, 2019) for the Oscoda Township Dump from the RRD Geological Services Section.

In early March 2019, nine residential wells located near the former dump were sampled.

On March 28, 2019, EGLE received the results for the residential well sampling and results (PFAS, VOCs, metals) were sent out to DHHS and DHD #2, and a conference call was held to discuss the results of the residential well sampling. There were no detectible levels of PFAS identified in any of the residential wells.

On June 18, 2019 EGLE sent a letter to Oscoda Township asking them to determine the extent of PFAS contamination, along with contaminants other than PFAS coming from the dump.

On June 13, 2019, EGLE had approximately six additional residential wells from residents who were previously unavailable canvassed. One additional residential well and one surface water sample from Simpson Lake were collected in the vicinity of the dump.

On July 12, 2019 EGLE received the results of the June sampling event. The surface water sample had L-PFBA at 1.5 ppt but was non-detect for PFOA and PFOS. The residential well sample had no detectable levels of the 14 PFAS compounds analyzed.

On August 8, 2019, EGLE met with Oscoda Township to discuss the dump. The township agreed to provide information to EGLE to help determine a plan to move investigation of the site forward. EGLE is in the process of evaluating the information provided by the township.

On October 8, 2019, two additional residential wells south of the former Oscoda Township Dump were sampled. The results indicated no detectable levels of the 14 PFAS compounds analyzed.

On October 28, 2020, EGLE requested an update from Oscoda Township regarding future plans for investigation of the site.EGLE is awaiting a reply.

In September 2021, EGLE reached out to new Oscoda Township administrative staff to recommend additional work be done to investigate the former dump.EGLE is awaiting a reply.

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