GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — New tests have found high levels of PFAS, a likely carcinogen, around the North Kent Landfill on 10 Mile Road NE, prompting the county to provide bottled water to nearby residents, Kent County announced Monday.
The Kent County Department of Public Works, which runs the landfill just east of US-131 in Plainfield Township, said records show Wolverine Worldwide dumped there from 1980 to 1986.
But the Rockford-based shoemaker, who used PFAS to waterproof shoes, decided it won’t be involved in the testing or providing water because “they feel it’s the landfill’s responsibility,” said DPW Environmental Compliance Manager Molly Sherwood.
In a statement provided to 24 Hour News 8 Monday, Wolverine noted the North Kent Landfill “has had multiple users and parties over the years that could have contributed to the potential existence of PFOA and PFOS,” referring to chemicals in the PFAS family. The company went on to say it “is in favor of others becoming part of the solution.”
“From our perspective, it doesn’t make sense to waste time and money to argue that,” Sherwood said. “Our focus is to make sure residents are safe.”
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