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PFAS response team to give update on contamination near Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport sign file photo
Posted at 11:56 AM, Feb 23, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-23 11:58:35-05

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team and the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport will update residents next week on its investigation of PFAS contamination on and near the airport.

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department and the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport will host a virtual community meeting Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Those interested in watching the meeting will be able to do so on the team’s website.

Anyone without internet access can listen to the meeting by calling 877-309-2074 and entering access code 374288#.

Last year, the airport applied for and received a grant from the state to test soil and groundwater around the airport for PFAS.

In the past, airport firefighters used Class B Aqueous Film Forming Foam to comply with Federal Avian Administration requirements. These foams are known to contain PFAS.

Confirmed PFAS contamination had been found in several areas around the airport.

Officials say there are no human exposure pathway risks to public health and that the City of Kalamazoo drinking water isn’t affected by the contamination.

SEE MORE: State begins collection of PFAS-laced firefighting foam

SEE MORE: Strict standards for PFAs in drinking water pass Michigan Legislature