MBS International Airport Area of Interest (Freeland, Saginaw County)

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Web content may not routinely be updated on this page. Please contact the Site Lead for the most up-to-date status of the site.
Content posted July 2021.

EGLE Site Lead

Lynn Gosson, GossonL1@Michigan.gov or 989-225-0161.

Background

The MBS International Airport located at 8500 Garfield Road, was awarded a PFAS grant from MDOT to determine the potential impact of PFAS from the use of AFFF at the airport.  The airport had two historical known areas where AFFF was used.  Approximately 50 gallons of AFFF was used in training exercises that took place along the old runway.  In 1992 there was a plane crash that occurred on the concrete area near the new terminal, and 200-300 gallons of AFFF was used.  The results from the initial investigation showed PFAS in North Squaconning Creek above water quality standards at 173 ppt for PFOS.  EGLE's surface water sampling results showed PFAS in two drains connected to the airport above water quality standards.

The regional groundwater flow was inferred to be to the northeast.  Potentially impacted waterbodies are the North Branch Squaconning Creek and the West Branch Squaconning Creek, both which flow into the Saginaw River.  A potential receptor in the area is the Twin Oaks Golf Course that uses surface water from the West Branch Squaconning Creek to water their greens.  

Recent Accomplishments

• On October 27 - November 1, 2020, the airport collected three groundwater samples from deep monitoring wells and collected one surface water sample from an outfall discharging to North Squaconning Creek on the northeast side of the airport property.
• On March 15, 2021, EGLE received sampling results from the airport.  The three groundwater samples were non-detect for PFAS and the surface water sample was above water quality standards at 173 ppt for PFOS.
• In March 2021, EGLE collected 13 surface water samples near the airport.  Two samples that were collected downstream from the airport outfalls exceeded surface water quality standards for PFOS; the results were 45.7 ppt and 37.3 ppt.
• On June 24, 2021, EGLE sampled four residential wells in the area out of abundance of caution; the results were all non-detect for PFAS.
• On June 30, 2021, MPART hosted a call with local officials to brief them on the PFAS investigation at this site and the anticipated next steps.

Next Steps

• EGLE will work with the airport to determine further investigation.  

Residential Well Testing/Alternate Water Information

• Four residential wells were sampled on June 24, 2021; the results were all non-detect for PFAS. 

Upcoming Community Engagement

• None scheduled at this time.

Sampling Results Summary

Sampling Notes

• Surface water samples indicated on the chart include the airport and EGLE's sampling results.