Skip to main content
Blue Elk Solar I Field Area of Interest (Adrian, Lenawee County)

Blue Elk Solar I Field Area of Interest (Adrian, Lenawee County)

EGLE Site Lead: Jennifer Bush, BushJ14@Michigan.gov or 517-667-1296. Content last updated January 9, 2023.

Background

The Blue Elk Solar I Field is located at the southeast intersection of North Wilmoth Highway and Laberdee Road in Raisin Charter Township, Adrian. In July of 2022, EGLE received a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) from Blue Elk Solar, LLC. Per the BEA, the site has been used for agricultural purposes since 1937.

In March of 2022, SME, Blue Elk Solar LLC’s consultant, installed five temporary monitoring wells across the field. The sampling results identified PFAS in shallow groundwater in all temporary monitoring wells, three of the five exceeded criteria.

Blue Elk Solar LLC submitted another BEA for an area nearby for Blue Elk Solar IV, located at 2000 West Valley Road and Winsor Highway but results were below criteria.

Groundwater flow direction is estimated to be to the west, towards the River Raisin. Potential receptors include residences to the west of the site.

Blue Elk Solar I map

Recent Accomplishments

  • In July 2022, EGLE RRD received a BEA from Blue Elk Solar LLC which showed three temporary monitoring wells exceeded the groundwater cleanup criteria.  The highest result for PFOA was 61 ppt and 54 ppt for PFOS.

Next Steps

  • EGLE is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Lenawee County Health Department to begin residential well sampling in the area in Winter 2022. 

Residential Wells / Alternative Water Information

  • Municipal water is not currently available in the area. EGLE is working with DHHS and the local health department, to evaluate residential well logs and develop a residential drinking water sampling plan.

Upcoming Community Engagement

  • None scheduled at this time.

Sampling Results Summary

Type of Sample

Date Sampled
(or range)

Number of Sample Results Received

Number of Samples above Criteria*

Groundwater
Monitoring Wells

March 2022

5

3

* Residential well and groundwater monitoring well results are compared to EGLE Part 201 criteria for 7 PFAS compounds effective 12/21/2020:  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

  • None at this time.