Please contact the Site Lead for the most up-to-date status of this site.
Sydney Hewson, HewsonS@Michigan.gov or 906-235-4917.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) learned that fire-fighting foams were used for structure protection during the Duck Lake Fire response in 2012. Some of these fire-fighting foams may have contained PFAS. PFAS are a very large class of man-made organic chemicals that do not break down easily and can remain in soil, surface waters and groundwater for decades if released to the environment. Two of the PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, are the most common compounds found to be an issue in the environment. Consumption of these chemicals above certain concentrations can be associated with health issues.
EGLE is conducting investigations in the Pike Lake area and coordinating with the DNR, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the LMAS District Health Department, area residents, and other stakeholders to assess if PFAS poses a risk to human health and the environment in the Pike Lake area.
Content posted February 2023.
See an aerial view of the drinking waterof the site.
See an aerial view of the surface water of the site.
In March 2022, nine residential wells were samples, results were non-detect for PFAS. In July 2022, 42 surface water samples were collected, results were below applicable criteria. In August 2022, two residential wells were sampled, results were non-detect for PFAS. In August 2022, two State of Michigan campground drinking water wells were sampled, results were non-detect for PFAS.
Based on the drinking water well and surface water sample results, EGLE has determined that this area of interest is not a Facility as defined in Part 201, Environmental Remediation, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, P.A. 451, as amended. As a result, no future investigation is planned at this time. EGLE's decision may, however, be withdrawn if new information becomes available that was not in EGLE's possession at the time of this determination.
| Type of Sample | Date Sampled (or range) | Number of Sample Results Received | Number of Samples above Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Wells | March 2022 - August 2022 | 13 | 0 |
| Surface Water | July 2022 | 42 | 0 |
* 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).
Some fish species from Pike Lake were tested to determine if PFAS are in fish from the lake. They were also tested for mercury, which is commonly looked for in fish. While the final report is not complete, preliminary results have found PFOS in the fish fillets collected from Pike Lake.
| Species | Range of PFOS Detections (parts per billions or ppb) | Range of Mercury Detections (parts per million or ppm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Bass | 22.1 - 141 | 0.22 - 0.44 |
| Walleye | 4.3 - 22.2 | 0.21 - 1.2 |
| Yellow Perch | 0.9 | 0.14 - .0.61 |
Data indicate the fish from Pike Lake contain contaminants. Individuals who eat fish from Pike Lake will have increased exposure to these chemicals. As a reminder, statewide consumption guidelines are in place for all water bodies that do not have site-specific guidelines. For more information on Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish guidelines, visit Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish. If you have questions about Pike Lake fish testing results, please contact EGLE; for questions about fish consumption and your health, please contact Brandon Reid, MDHHS, at 517-897-3552 or ReidB1@Michigan.gov.
