Tentative Agreement Reached on PFAS Contamination in Kent County
On Tuesday, the Michigan Attorney General's office announced a tentative agreement between the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Plainfield Township, Algoma Township and Wolverine Worldwide regarding PFAS contamination in northern Kent County.
Under the terms of the agreement, Wolverine will pay $69.5 million to bring municipal water to more than 1,000 properties. This map shows which properties will receive new extensions of municipal water.
The agreement requires approval by a U.S. District judge.
If approved, the agreement will resolve a lawsuit filed against Wolverine Worldwide in January 2018 by EGLE with Plainfield and Algoma Townships also joining the lawsuit.
The lawsuit was filed after PFAS contamination was discovered in northern Kent County residential drinking water wells. The contamination came from Wolverine’s use and disposal of PFAS-containing materials.
The agreement also outlines Wolverine’s ongoing responsibilities for the presence of PFAS in area groundwater. Wolverine be required to continue to maintain water filters it has installed pending hookup to municipal water. For houses not receiving municipal water under this agreement, Wolverine must maintain filters it has already installed.
The terms of the deal also include an investigation and future work at Wolverine’s House Street site and the Rogue River, including groundwater studies and monitoring.