Challenge Machinery Company (Grand Haven, Ottawa County)

Kelly Moss, MossK@Michigan.gov or 616-215-4588.

EGLE received a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) in February 2022 for a portion of the old Challenge Machinery Company property, specifically 295 North Beechtree Street, Grand Haven. From 1903 to 2001 Challenge Machinery Company utilized the property to manufacture equipment and machinery for the graphic arts/printing industry. There is an extensive history of contamination at this property, and Challenge Machinery Company is the liable party. The BEA included September 2021 sampling data, which identified PFAS exceedances of groundwater clean-up criteria. Eight temporary monitoring wells were installed and sampled for groundwater. The highest concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were 110 ppt and 190 ppt, respectively.

According to the BEA, local groundwater was encountered at shallow depths between 5.5 to 11.5 feet below ground surface. The Grand River is located approximately 300 feet east/northeast of the property, and local groundwater is expected to flow east/northeast towards the Grand River. It should be noted that the former Eagle Ottawa Leather Company (200 N. Beechtree Street) is located immediately to the east, between the property and the Grand River.

Local health confirmed that nearby residences are connected to municipal drinking water. This area has a local restrictive ordinance and restrictive covenant that prohibits groundwater use for human consumption or other purposes that may constitute a public health risk. EGLE, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and local health are looking into potential use of irrigation wells.

Content posted March 2022.