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Surface Water Workgroup

An EGLE staff person waist-deep in a stream with equipment on their back for eFishing

Surface Water Workgroup

Mission

 

To collect surface water and fish tissue samples to determine the need for fish consumption advisories, locate sources of PFAS contamination, and determine if source mitigation reduces PFAS levels in Michigan’s watersheds.

 

The Surface Water Workgroup consists of representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE), Remediation and Redevelopment Division (RRD) and Water Resources Division (WRD) and representatives from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Department of Natural Resource (MDNR), Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MDVMA). 

Contact

Kevin Cox
CoxK12@Michigan.gov

Recent Accomplishments

  • On May 1, 2023, surface water samples were collected from the Upper Grand watershed near Grand Ledge. Five sampling locations had concentrations of PFAS that exceeded at least one of our Water Quality Values (WQV).
  • On May 28, 2023, a surface water sample was collected from Ore Lake near Brighton. PFOS was non-detect in the surface water sample. Fish were collected from both Ore Lake and Little Ore Lake. Those data are still pending.
  • On June 16, 2023, a surface water sample was collected from the Flint River near Montrose. The PFOS concentration was 3.7 parts per trillion (ppt). Fish were collected from the river at Montrose. Those data are still pending.
  • Seventy-six locations were sampled for PFAS in the Menominee, Michigamme, Brule, and Cedar Ford Watersheds in July 2023. No sampling locations had exceedances of our WQV’s. PFOS ranged from non-detect to 4.1 ppt.
  • Sixty-two surface water samples were collected from the Tittabawassee Watershed in August 2023. One sampling location had and exceedance of our WQV for PFOS. PFOS ranged from non-detect to 12 ppt.
  • On August 28, 2023, a surface water sample was collected from the Ontonagon River near Ontonagon. PFOS was non-detect in the surface water sample. Fish were collected from the Ontonagon River. Those data are still pending.
  • On August 29, 2023, a surface water sample was collected from the Chocolay River near Harvey. The PFOS concentration was 2.8 ppt. Brown trout collected from the river on August 10, 2021 had PFOS concentrations up to 84.3 parts per billion (ppb). Additional fish were collected from the river on August 29, 2023. Those data are still pending.
  • On August 30, 2023, a surface water sample was collected from the Waiska River near Brimley. PFOS was below the reporting limit in the surface water sample. Fish were collected from the Waiska River on July 11, 2023. Those data are still pending.
  • Forty-three surface water samples were collected from the Lake St. Clair Shoreline Watershed on September 5, 2023. Eight sampling locations had exceedances of at least one of our WQV’s.
  • Forty-six surface water samples were collected from the Pine Watershed in September 2023. One sampling location had exceedances of our WQV’s for PFOS and PFNA.
  • On September 13, 2023, a surface water sample was collected from Green Lake near Caledonia. PFOS was not detected above the reporting limit. Fish collection is planned for 2024.
  • Thirty-eight surface water samples were collected from the Red Cedar Watershed in September 2023. No sampling locations had exceedances of our WQV’s.
  • On September 26, 2023, three surface water samples were collected from East Twin Lake or its tributaries near Lewiston. One sample had elevated concentrations of PFOS (11 ppt). Fish collection is planned for 2024.
     
A collage of staff posing with fish they caught, which will be tested for pfas Left to right: EGLE staff in the fish collection vessel; EGLE staff holding a large fish for sampling; EGLE staff holding another fish for sampling; fish laying out on a table for measurements before processing

Next Steps

  • Assess whether data are available to calculate concentrations of additional PFAS in surface water that are protective of aquatic life and human health.
  • Monitor PFAS trends within surface water through deployments of POCIS passive samplers.
  • Continue to collect fish from water bodies across the state for PFAS and legacy contaminant analyses.
  • Determine and prioritize fish and surface water sampling locations for upcoming sampling seasons. 
  • Continue to assess improvements and/or year-to-year differences in PFAS concentrations at several locations using a combination of fish collection, surface water grab sampling, and passive sampling techniques. 
EGLE staff displaying fish from sampling Left to right: fish on ice as part of the fish sample collection process; EGLE staff holding a single fish during collection; EGLE staff holding two fish during collection process

Reports

EGLE staff holding various parts of the fish sampling process Left to right: EGLE staff holding a fish on a boat during the collection process; a closeup of a crawfish held in a hand; EGLE staff holding a large fish while out collecting; EGLE staff pipetting surface water into test tubes during a collection event

Research/Studies

  • Assess toxicity of PFAS-contaminated sediments to aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates.  Final Report: Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Whole Sediment Toxicity.  The primary objective of this study was to determine if PFAS within sediment are toxic to benthic macroinvertebrates (e.g., insects living near or within sediments).  Whole sediment samples were collected from six PFAS-impacted and reference sites for toxicological testing.  Mortality was not observed in any of the samples. Sublethal impacts (significant reductions in growth and biomass) were observed at a subset of the PFAS-impacted locations. However, toxicological effects were not dose dependent or consistent in severity and could not be attributed to PFAS.
  • Assess potential for PFAS contaminated sediments to act as a source of PFAS to the aquatic food web and sustain elevated fish tissue PFOS concentrations.  Final Report: Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Sediment - Sediment as a Source of PFAS to the Food Web.  The primary objective of this study was to determine whether sediment acts as a source of PFAS to aquatic food webs.  Surface water, sediment, macroinvertebrates, and fish were analyzed from Kent Lake and an upstream reference lake (Proud Lake).  The distribution of individual PFAS compounds within sediment and biological tissues suggest that sediment can act as a source of PFAS to invertebrates, forage fish, and predator fish.
  • Assess potential impacts of Contaminants of Mutual Concern (includes PFAS) to fish eating birds of Lake Huron and Lake Superior. These studies are being conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several University partners. 
  • Continue to assess trends in surface water PFAS concentrations and PFAS contamination in the aquatic food web using passive samplers such as POCIS. Water quality samplers are placed in surface waters for four weeks to allow contaminants in the water to accumulate onto the sampling device. 
     
a collage of staff posing with a cage used in caged fish studies Left to right: EGLE staff holds a cage to be prepped for a fish cage study; EGLE staff post with the fish cage before positioning; EGLE staff check the fish cage

Timeline

    • In 2019, 640 surface water samples were collected for PFAS analysis.
    • Developed approach for citizens and EGLE staff to report foam complaints electronically (MiWaters Spill/Incident/Pollution form - as of 2022, now called MiEnviro Portal spill/incident/pollution form) to help guide future monitoring decisions.
    • Determined the distribution and concentration of PFAS in lake ice collected from Van Etten Lake in 2019 and 2020 after citizen complaints. 
    • On March 19, 2020, EGLE received results from eight surface water samples collected from the Pigeon River watershed as a part of the former White Pigeon Paper Company investigation. The sampling was conducted on March 9, 2020.
    • On April 1, 2020, EGLE received results from a pilot POCIS study conducted in the Huron River watershed. The samplers were deployed in the Huron River for 28 days between September 26 and October 24, 2019.
    • On July 21, 2020, 18 surface water samples were collected in the Portage Creek area of Kalamazoo. No samples exceeded the WQV for PFOS or PFOA.
    • On August 3 and 4, 2020, 27 surface water samples were collected in the Huron River watershed. Samples collected from Norton Creek, Willow Run, and Washago Pond exceeded the WQV for PFOS. PFOS concentrations in Norton Creek have continued to decline since July 2018 when it was measured at 5,600 ppt. Source tracking continues in Willow Run and the Washago Pond area.
    • On August 11, 2020, 41 surface water samples were collected from the Ecorse River and Frank & Poet Drain watersheds. Several samples from both watersheds exceeded the WQV for PFOS.
    • On August 20, 2020, surface water samples were collected from drains in the Ft. Gratiot/St. Clair County PFAS Area of Investigation. Seven of the 21 samples collected had PFOS concentrations exceeding the WQV and ranged from 18 to 247 ppt.
    • On August 25, 2020, four surface water samples were collected from Regan Drain and the Huron River near Washago Pond in the Willow Metropark to confirm initial results from the August 3, 2020 sampling event. Results confirmed that PFOS contamination exists in the Regan Drain upstream of Washago Pond.
    • On August 27, 2020, surface water and sediment samples were collected from Little Black Creek and the Mona Lake watershed for PFAS analysis. Surface water samples collected from Mona Lake ranged from 2.3 to 14.7 ppt PFOS with the highest concentration exceeding the PFOS WQV. In Little Black Creek, six of the ten surface water samples exceeded the WQV for PFOS and ranged from 13.0 to 37.6 ppt PFOS.
    • On September 3, 2020, surface water samples were collected from the Bear River near Petoskey for PFAS analysis. PFOS was nondetect at all seven sampling locations in the Bear River watershed.
    • On September 3, 2020, surface water samples were collected from the Burt Lake watershed near Pellston. PFOS was nondetect in 11 of the 14 samples collected from the Burt Lake watershed and less than 2 ppt in the other three samples. Fish were also collected from the west branch of the Maple River for PFAS analysis. The results for the fish analysis  are expected back in 2022.
    • On September 21, 2020, surface water samples were collected from the Shiawassee River watershed. All 60 samples had PFOS concentrations less than the PFOS Water Quality Standard (WQV) and ranged from nondetect to 11.4 parts per trillion (ppt) 33 of the 60 collected samples had nondetectable concentrations of PFOS.
    • On October 14, 2020, additional sampling was conducted in the Regan Drain of the Huron River watershed to continue EGLE's PFAS source tracking investigation. Three sampling locations exceeded the WQV for PFOS. The highest concentration of PFOS (89 ppt) was in the Regan Drain near Burelle Avenue. Upstream of this location at South Huron Road, PFOS was 2.2 ppt.
    • On October 14, 2020, EGLE collected fish from the Black River (St. Clair County) and the Howe Drain for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in early 2022.
    • On October 19 and 20, 2020, surface water samples were collected from the Rouge River watershed. Three samples in the Lower Rouge River watershed exceeded the PFOS WQV. PFOS was 429, 85, and 14.5 ppt in the Horner Drain, the Sines Drain, and the McClaughrey Drain, respectively. Fish were collected from the main branch, lower branch, and middle branch in 2021. Results are expected back in 2022.  The MDHHS Eat Safe Fish advisories currently exist in the lower and main branch of the Rouge River due to PCBs and mercury. Anglers should visit the Eat Safe Fish page for southeast Michigan for specific guidance.
    • Between November 7 - 10, 2020, surface water samples were collected from three watersheds: the Escanaba, Chocolay , and Tacoosh-Whitefish Rivers. All 13 surface water samples collected from the Escanaba River watershed were below the WQV for PFOS and less than 3 ppt. In the Chocolay River watershed, two samples from Silver Lead Creek exceeded the WQV for PFOS and ranged from 23 to 28 ppt. In the Tacoosh-Whitefish River, a sample collected from Portage Creek had a PFOS concentration of 18 ppt and exceeded the PFOS WQV. An MDHHS Eat Safe Fish advisory currently exists for Silver Lead Creek due to PFOS. Anglers should visit the Michigan PFAS Action and Response Team (MPART) Eat Safe Fish page for specific guidance.
    • On January 1, 2021, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community collected rainbow smelt from Portage Lake near Houghton for EGLE. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On January 19, 2021, 14 surface water samples were collected from the Paw Paw River watershed. No samples exceeded the WQS for PFOS and PFOA. The highest PFOS concentration (11.7 ppt) was observed in Ox Creek near Benton Harbor. Fish sampling in Ox Creek for edible portion contaminant monitoring was completed on July 22, 2021.
    • On January 28, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Jones Lake near the Capital Region International Airport in Lansing as well as Historical Village Pond in Okemos for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On February 2, 2021, EGLE collected rainbow smelt from Gull Lake near Kalamazoo. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On February 18, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Vandercook Lake in Jackson County and Fish Lake in Livingston County for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On February 26, 2021, EGLE collected rainbow smelt from Higgins Lake for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On March 4, 2021, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service collected rainbow smelt from the Thunder Bay River near Alpena for EGLE. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On March 9, 2021, 26 surface water samples were collected from the upper Clinton River watershed. This sampling was initiated due to elevated PFOS observed in fish collected from Cass Lake and the Clinton River upstream of the Yates Park Dam. In addition, EGLE received a targeted monitoring request to sample the river near landfills located in Rochester Hills. No surface water samples exceeded WQS for PFOS or PFOA. The highest PFOS concentration (9.4 ppt) was observed in the Whitehorse Lake outlet.
    • On March 16, 2021, 3 surface water samples were collected from the Looking Glass River watershed near Community Lake Park near Portland. These samples were collected in response of a targeted monitoring request to investigate the use of an unknown class of firefighting foam used to extinguish a fire in the early 1990s. An unnamed tributary to the Looking Glass River at Cutler Road had a PFOS concentration of 39.8 ppt, which exceeds the WQS. The two samples collected from the Looking Glass River were below WQS and around 1 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA.
    • On March 16, 2021, 18 surface water samples were collected near Grass Lake in Jackson. This investigation was initiated following the receipt of results of fish samples collected from Grass Lake indicating elevated PFOS concentrations. All surface water samples from Grass Lake, Tims Lake, and the Grass Lake drain had nondetectable levels of PFOS and PFOA. Only PFBA (1.3 to 7.1 ppt), PFHpA (1.1 to 1.5 ppt), PFHxA (1.1 ppt), and PFPeA (0.7 to 5.2 ppt) were detected in these samples.
    • On March 17, 2021, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community collected rainbow smelt from Lake Superior in Keweenaw Bay for EGLE. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On March 23, 2021, surface water samples were collected from three tributaries to the Grand River. Three surface water samples were collected from Egypt Creek near Ada to fulfill a targeted monitoring request to investigate a historical landfill situated along the creek. All three samples were nondetect for PFOS and PFOA. A sample was also collected from Indian Mill Creek and Plaster Creek in Grand Rapids at fish collection locations. The fish were sampled due to elevated PFOS concentrations observed in both tributaries during the 2019 Grand River watershed investigation. Neither sample exceeded the WQS for PFOS or PFOA. PFOS and PFOA in Indian Mill Creek were detected at 2.4 and 1.8 ppt, respectively. PFOS and PFOA in Plaster Creek were detected at 8.8 and 3.7 ppt, respectively. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On March 25, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Flat River north of the dam in Lowell for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On March 30, 2021, 13 surface water samples were collected from the Squaconning Creek watershed near Freeland. This effort was initiated due to an elevated (8.9 ppt) PFOS concentration observed in Dutch Creek in 2019. Squaconning Creek flows to Dutch Creek and then to the Saginaw River. Two surface water samples exceeded the PFOS WQS. The North Branch of Squaconning Creek had a PFOS concentration of 45.7 ppt. The West Branch of Squaconning Creek had a PFOS concentration of 37.3 ppt. Fish have been collected from Squaconning Creek for PFAS analysis. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 13, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Tamarack Lake in Cato Township and Lake Macatawa in Holland for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 20, 2021, 23 surface water samples were collected from the Macatawa River watershed near Holland. Two samples from the Maplewood Drain exceeded the PFOS WQS with concentrations of 86.5 and 20.9 ppt. Fish were collected from Lake Macatawa for PFAS analysis. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 20, 2021, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) collected rainbow smelt from the Union River in the Upper Peninsula for EGLE. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 22, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Ecorse River and the Frank and Poet Drain for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 21, 2021, the MDNR collected rainbow smelt from the Little Gratiot River in the Upper Peninsula for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 21, 2021, the Bay Mills Indian Community collected rainbow smelt from Ankodosh Creek near Tahquamenon for EGLE. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022
    • On April 22, 2021, the MDNR collected fish from Ford and Belleville Lake impoundments of the Huron River for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • Between April 13 and April 29, 2021, surface water samples were collected near three airports for PFAS analysis. Four surface water samples were collected near the Chippewa County Airport. Only one sample exceeded the WQS for PFOS collected from Hutton Creek with a PFOS concentration of 18 ppt. Five surface water samples were collected near the Gogebic County airport. PFOS was nondetect in four of these samples with the sole detection being in Mud Creek at 1.4 ppt. Two surface water samples were collected near the Lakeview-Griffith Field Airport. Both samples were collected from Tamarack Lake and had nondetectable PFOS concentrations. One sample had a detectable PFOA concentration at 1.1 ppt.
    • On April 24, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Silver Lead Creek in Gwinn for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 27, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Pigeon River downstream of White Pigeon for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On April 29, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Beaver Dam Pond of Helmer Creek near Battle Creek for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On May 4, 2021, EGLE deployed Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS)in the Flint River watershed at 13 locations. The samplers were deployed for 28 days and retrieved on June 1, 2021, for PFAS analysis. These results will be summarized in an upcoming staff report. This study will give us a better indication as to which tributaries are contributing to the highest PFAS contamination to the Flint River. Additionally, surface water grab samples were collected from 42 locations throughout the watershed. Two samples exceeded WQS for PFOS. A sample collected from the Cornwell Drain had a PFOS concentration of 98.1 ppt and a sample collected from Gilkey Creek had a PFOS concentration of 13.4 ppt.
    • On May 6, 2021, the MDNR collected fish from Union Lake of the St. Joseph River for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On May 11 and 16, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Kent Lake and Proud Lake, respectively, of the Huron River for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On May 18, 2021, sediment samples were collected from both Tims Lake and Grass Lake in Jackson to continue the source tracking investigation following the receipt of elevated fish tissue PFOS concentrations in Grass Lake. Five sediment samples collected from Grass Lake and three samples collected from Tims Lake had nondetectable concentrations of PFOS and PFOA. Other PFAS were detected in these samples but were below the laboratory reporting limit. Fish were collected from Tims Lake for PFAS and other contaminant analyses Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On May 19, 2021, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community collected fish from the Falls River for EGLE for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On May 20, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Saginaw Bay for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On May 27, 2021, EGLE collected fish and surface water samples from Bush and Rice Lakes in Holly Township. PFOS and PFOA were non-detect in the surface water sample collected from Rice Lake. PFOS and PFOA were detected in Bush Lake at 1.1 and 2.4 ppt, respectively, which meet WQS. The fish results won't be back until 2022.
    • On May 29, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Bruin Lake in the Pinckney Recreation Area for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results won't be available until 2022.
    • On June 3, 2021, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) collected rainbow smelt from Lake Superior near Whitefish Bay and 14 mile point for EGLE. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • Between June 10 and 17, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Wilcox Lake of the middle branch of the Rouge River, the lower branch of the Rouge River at Goudy Park, the upper branch of the Rouge River near 9-mile road in Southfield, and the Turning Basin of the Rouge River for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On June 23, 2021, EGLE collected fish and a surface water sample from the Tippy Dam impoundment of the Manistee River for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. The surface water sample was collected from the Pine River where it meets the impoundment and had non-detectable PFOS and PFOA concentrations. The fish results won't be back until 2022.
    • On July 1, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Phoenix Lake of the middle branch of the Rouge River for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results won't be available until 2022.
    • On July 6, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Paw Paw Lake for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • Between July 8-11, 2021, surface water samples were collected from the Keweenaw Peninsula region for PFAS analysis. Overall, 76% of the samples (56 of 73) had a nondetectable PFOS concentration and 79% (58 of 73) had a nondetectable PFOA concentration. Seven sampling locations exceeded the WQV for PFOS. Begunn Creek, west of Tamarack, had a PFOS concentration of 15.9 ppt. Quincy Creek near Calumet had a PFOS concentration of 30.4 ppt. The Little Carp River in Baraga township had a PFOS concentration of 42.3 ppt. Two unnamed tributaries to the Carp River near the former Marquette County Airport in Negaunee had PFOS concentrations of 16.1 and 21.8 ppt. Two samples collected from Silver Lead Creek near KI Sawyer had PFOS concentrations of 14.2 and 26.4 ppt. Fish were also collected from the Carp River downstream of a tributary that runs through the former Marquette County airport in Negaunee, Michigan. The fish results will not be available until 2022.
    • On July 20, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Sadony Bayou of the Pierson Drain near Whitehall for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On July 22, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Ox Creek (Benton Harbor), Carlton Creek (Rothbury), and the Grand River (near Jackson) for PFAS and other contaminant analysis. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On July 23, 2021, a surface water sample was collected from Mitchell Creek downstream of the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City. Out of 29 PFAS analyzed, only three (PFBA, PFPeA, and PFHxA) were detected in the sample and all were less than 2 ppt.
    • On July 27, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Huron River near Rockwood for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On August 5, 2021, EGLE collected fish and surface water samples from the Johnson Drain near Northville for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Surface water samples collected from the drain met WQV; however, a sample collected from a tributary to the drain just downstream of the Arbor Hills landfill had a PFOS concentration of 16.5 ppt which exceeds WQV. The fish results are expected back in 2022.
    • On August 10, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Cass River downstream of Vassar for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On August 18, 2021, the MDNR collected fish from Spring Brook near Parchment for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On August 24, 2021, EGLE collected fish from Dukes and Kinross Lakes in Kinross Township for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Fish results are expected back in 2022.
    • On August 25, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Saline River downstream of Ford Lake in Milan for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On August 26, 2021, EGLE collected surface water samples from the Saginaw River near Middleground Island and Bay City. These samples were collected as a follow-up to the 2019 sampling to determine if the significant rainfall prior to the 2019 sampling resulted in diluted PFAS concentrations in the surface water samples. None of the 13 samples that were collected exceeded the WQV for PFOS or PFOA. PFOS concentrations ranged from non-detect to 2.9 ppt. Data from fish collected from the Saginaw River in 2020 are expected back in 2022.
    • On August 27, 2021, EGLE collected a sample from the Reynolds Drain Pond downstream of the Capital Region Airport in Lansing. This sample was collected to determine if AFFF containing PFAS that was used to extinguish a plane crash fire resulted in additional PFAS contamination in the drain. PFOS in this sample exceeded the WQV at 45.4 ppt. This is within the range of concentrations that were observed during the 2019 sampling prior to the 2021 plane crash. Fish were collected from the Reynolds Drain Pond in 2020. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On September 1, 2021, EGLE’s collected fish and a surface water sample from Simpson Lake near Oscoda, Michigan for PFAS analysis. PFOS and PFOA in the sample were non-detect. Fish results are expected back in 2022.
    • On September 3 and 4, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Grand River near Harbor Island in Grand Haven and Riverside Park in Grand Rapids for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On September 7, 2021, EGLE collected crayfish from the Rogue River downstream of the dam in Rockford for PFAS analysis of the tail meat. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On September 14, 2021, EGLE collected fish from the Flat River downstream of Belding and the Thornapple River downstream of Hastings for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On September 17, 2021, USGS collected rainbow smelt from Lake Michigan near Saugatuck for EGLE. The fish will be analyzed for PFAS and other contaminants. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On September 26, 2021, the MDNR collected chinook salmon from the Little Manistee River weir for PFAS and other contaminant analyses. Results are expected back in 2022.
    • On January 27, 2022, a surface water sample and fish were collected from Squaw Lake near Sparta. PFOS was non-detect in the surface water sample. Bluegill had PFOS concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 17.2 parts per billion (ppb).
    • On February 1, 2022, a surface water sample and fish were collected from Rood Lake near Lapeer. The PFOS concentration was 1.2 parts per trillion (ppt). Bluegill had PFOS concentrations ranging from 6 to 28.6 ppb.
    • On February 15, 2022, a surface water sample and fish were collected from Lake Doster near Plainwell. PFOS was 1.0 ppt in the surface water sample and ranged from 3.8 to 11.8 ppb in the bluegill.
    • On February 24, 2022, a surface water sample and fish were collected from Loon Lake near Wixom. The surface water PFOS concentration in the lake was 14.6 ppt. Fish PFOS ranged from 62.7 to 188.6 ppb.
    • On March 1, 2022, surface water and fish samples were collected from First and Second lake near Fremont. PFOS was 1 ppt in both Second Lake and First Lake. Fish from Second Lake ranged from 3 to 12.1 ppb PFOS. The First Lake fish ranged from 2.6 to 7.8 ppb PFOS.
    • On March 1, 2022, fish were collected from Mona Lake, Muskegon Lake, and Bear Lake for fish contaminant monitoring. PFOS concentrations ranged from 8.4 to 29.4 ppb in Bear Lake fish, from 10.2 to 21.4 in yellow perch from Muskegon Lake, and 18.1 to 47.8 ppb in Mona Lake yellow perch.
    • On May 12, 2022, three surface water samples and fish were collected from Helmer Creek near Battle Creek. PFOS concentrations ranged from 34 to 85 ppt. Fish were also collected and PFOS concentrations ranged from 5.3 to 386.8 ppb.
    • On May 16 and 17, 2022, 55 surface water samples were collected from the Pere Marquette and White River watersheds. PFOS concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 100 parts per trillion (ppt). Six samples exceeded the Water Quality Value for PFOS. Fish collected from Pere Marquette Lake in 2020 had elevated PFOS fillet concentrations up to 294 parts per billion (ppb). MDHHS is currently reviewing the fish data to determine if fish consumption advisories are warranted.
    • On May 18 and 19, 2022, 32 surface water samples were collected from the Black River watershed in St. Clair County. PFOS concentrations ranged from non-detect to 3.4 ppt. No samples exceeded the Water Quality Value for PFOS. These samples were collected to determine if sources exist upstream in the Black River watershed after fish tissue sampling in 2020 showed elevated PFOS concentrations up to 198 ppb from the River near Beard Rd.
    • On June 22 and 23, 2022, 68 surface water samples were collected from the Muskegon River watershed. PFOS concentrations ranged from non-detect to 23 ppt. Five samples exceeded the Water Quality Value for PFOS.
    • On July 9, 2022, two surface water samples were collected from Beaver Island as a follow up to the report of surface water foam. PFOS concentrations were non-detect in both samples.
    • On July 12-15, 2022, 46 surface water samples were collected from the Tahquamenon and Two-Hearted River watersheds as a follow up to the elevated PFOS concentrations observed in fish from Pike Lake in Luce County. PFOS concentrations were non-detect in all surface water samples.
    • On August 23, 2022, fish were collected from the Au Sable River near Oscoda as part of a USFWS/EGLE piscivorous wildlife food web study. Fillets had PFOS concentrations ranging from 1.9 to 72 ppb.
    • On September 7 and 8, 2022, 54 surface water samples were collected from the Au Sable River watershed. PFOS concentrations ranged from non-detect to 5.8 ppt. No samples exceeded the Water Quality Value for PFOS. Fish consumption advisories are already in place for the lower portion of the Au Sable River downstream of the Foote Dam.
    • On September 19, 2022, passive samplers were deployed in Plaster Creek near Grand Rapids to track down potential sources of PFAS contamination. The samplers were deployed for 28 days and retrieved on October 17, 2022. Surface water grab samples were collected at the time of deployment and at retrieval. These results will be summarized in an upcoming staff report.
    • On October 4, 2022, surface water and fish were collected from the canal of the Black River in St. Clair County as part of a USFWS/EGLE piscivorous wildlife food web study. Surface water samples ranged from 1.6 to 3.9 ppt PFOS. Fillet PFOS concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 238 ppb.
    • On October 25, 2022, surface water and fish were collected from the Lake Winyah impoundment of the Thunder Bay River near Alpena as part of a USFWS/EGLE piscivorous wildlife food web study. Surface water samples were all non-detect for PFOS. Fillet PFOS concentrations ranged from non-detect (<0.25 ppb) to 6.9 ppb.
    • 2011: Derived human health/aquatic life surface water quality values for PFOA.
    • 2012/2013: Conducted initial statewide PFAS reconnaissance survey.
    • 2014: Derived human health/aquatic life surface water quality values for PFOS.
    • 2016: Conducted an initial survey of PFAS in the Flint River watershed.
    • 2017:  PFAS monitoring continued in the Flint watershed, began in the Clinton River watershed, and additional sampling was conducted in 6 other watersheds. In fiscal year 2017, EGLE collected 40 samples from Michigan surface waters and 189 fish samples for PFAS analysis.
    • 2018:  Intensive PFAS monitoring surveys were conducted in the River Raisin, Huron River, Kalamazoo River, Rogue River, and St. Joseph River watersheds, and additional sampling was conducted in 6 other watersheds. In fiscal year 2018, EGLE collected 232 samples from Michigan surface waters and 773 fish samples for PFAS analysis.
    • 2019:  Intensive PFAS monitoring surveys were conducted in the Black (St. Clair County), Saginaw, Grand, and Thornapple Rivers watersheds, and additional sampling was conducted in 18 other watersheds. Statewide monitoring of PFAS concentrations at randomly selected locations began. In fiscal year 2019, EGLE collected 626 samples from Michigan surface waters and 911 fish samples for PFAS analysis.
    • 2020:  PFAS monitoring surveys conducted in the Pigeon River, Shiawassee River, Mona Lake, Ecorse River, Frank and Poet Drain, Bear River (Pellston), Huron River, Portage Creek (Kalamazoo), and the Burt Lake watersheds. POCIS study was conducted in the Huron River. In fiscal year 2020, EGLE collected 617 samples from Michigan surface waters and 763 fish samples for PFAS analysis.
    • 2021:  PFAS monitoring conducted in the several watersheds: Keweenaw Waterway, Clinton, Shiawassee, Saginaw, Black (Gogebic County), Grand, Munuscong, Paw Paw, Macatawa, Rouge, Escanaba, Flint, Salmon-Trout, Sturgeon, Misery, Chocolay, and Tobacco Rivers. POCIS study was conducted in the Flint River. In fiscal year 2021, EGLE collected 723 samples from Michigan surface waters and 947 fish samples for PFAS analysis.
    • 2022: PFAS monitoring conducted in several watersheds: Pere Marquette-White, Tahquamenon, Two-Hearted, Au Sable, Black River, Muskegon, and the Grand Rivers. POCIS study was conducted in Plaster Creek of the Grand River watershed. Derived human health/aquatic life surface water quality values for PFBS and updated the human health surface water quality value for PFOA. In fiscal year 2022, EGLE collected 523 samples from Michigan surface waters and 960 fish samples for PFAS analysis.
    • 2023: PFAS monitoring conducted in several watersheds: Lake St. Clair Shoreline, the Grand, Menominee, Pine, Red Cedar, and Tittabawassee Rivers. Derived human health surface water quality values for PFNA and PFHxS. A POCIS passive sampler study was conducted in Grass Lake. In fiscal year 2023, EGLE collected 504 samples from Michigan surface waters and 1,772 fish samples for PFAS analysis.