PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — State officials have expanded the area of homes they’re testing for toxic tap water near a former Wolverine Worldwide dump site in northeast Kent County.
A Kent County Health Department map shows a much larger test site, from the House Street NE dump site southeast to the Rogue River. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says the expanded area includes approximately 300 homes with wells. That’s in addition to the 338 Belmont area homes with wells included in the original testing and buffer zones.
MAP: PFOS testing and buffer areas around Wolverine Worldwide’s old House Street NE dump site.
A DEQ geologist said the area was expanded based on geological test results conducted to determine “the behavior” of the chemical PFOS, which was once used to waterproof shoes.
An official with Wolverine Worldwide told 24 Hour News 8 earlier Wednesday that Pixley Avenue in Belmont had been added to the testing area.
Brian Jones lives in the expanded testing zone. He told 24 Hour News 8 he knew it was only a matter of time before someone knocked on his door. That knock came Tuesday.
“The not knowing is the hard part,” Jones said.
“Even if they are going to foot the bill and stuff, it’s time and wondering if any of that is in my system,” he added.
Robin VanderJagt’s home along Maksimowski Avenue NE in Plainfield Township is within the expanded area. She’s relieved the MDEQ decided to test more wells.
“It gives me more peace of mind, yes, definitely. Because before it was what are we drinking, has it reached out well,” she said. “Well water is the only option for us and we’ve been drinking it unfiltered for 31 years — for me, anyway — so I’m very happy.”
She said she wanted to get her water privately tested earlier, but was quoted a whopping $1,300.
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