Thursday, February 10, 2022

Contamination from landfill to be meeting topic

Arbor Hill Landfill 
More expert information regarding the per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFS) contamination near the Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township will be available during a virtual update from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 by the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART). 

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will host the online meeting. After the presentations and updates, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.

“This is a terrific opportunity to learn the latest information about the Arbor Hills Landfill from our partners in state government,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. 

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are long-lasting chemicals that resist heat, oil and water, breaking down slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and persistence in the environment, they are present at low levels in a variety of foods and in the water, air, fish and soil. According to Environmental Protection Agency experts, studies have shown that PFAS exposure may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.

Northville Township filed a lawsuit against Arbor Hills Landfill in November 2021 claiming that the landfill operators violated prior agreements with the township by dumping wastewater into Johnson Creek and discharging wastewater with excess contaminants into the township sewer system.

“The lawsuit was necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of Northville Township residents, Abbo said.

To register for and participate in the online meeting, visit the website https://bit.ly/3qJYxRT. Pre-registration and providing a name are not required to attend the meeting.  Anyone interested in participating may also go to the website at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 to join the meeting.  

Those without internet access may listen to the meeting by calling (636) 651-3142 and entering the conference code 374288#.  

The meeting will be recorded and posted within a few days after the meeting along with materials.  The meeting can be viewed on the website https://www.youtube.com/michiganegle.

For questions about the Arbor Hills Landfill environmental investigation, contact Brett Coulter, coulterb1@michigan.gov or (517) 614-7714. For questions related to PFAS and health, contact Lisa Fischer, MDHHS at fischerl@michigan.gov, (517) 331-2523 or (800) 648-6942.

Anyone needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation at the meeting should contact Kelly Ploehn, ploehnk@michigan.gov, by Feb. 18 to request language, visual, hearing, translation or other assistance.

“We look forward to your attendance,” Abbo said.