12 projects across Great Lakes region will receive funding for PFAS testing, education, and advocacy work

DECEMBER 12, 2023

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Great Lakes PFAS Action Network (GLPAN) today issued the following statement after finalizing funding totaling $35,900 to support the work of Great Lakes communities directly impacted by PFAS contamination.

Twelve nonprofit organizations, community groups, and individuals received funds as part of GLPAN’s annual Community Action Mini-Grants Program. These projects include educational campaigns, community organizing efforts, and soil and water testing in communities tackling the impacts of PFAS contamination.

“We are thrilled to award 12 incredible individuals and organizations with funding for their important PFAS work once again this year,” said Tony Spaniola, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. “GLPAN appreciates the leadership and insight of these community-led initiatives that will build awareness of PFAS impacts and empower residents to advocate for stronger protections against PFAS contamination in their communities.”

2023 Funded Projects:

PFAS Soil Testing in Southwest Detroit

Detroit, MI

Detroit residents and families will partner with the Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit to participate in soil testing in their neighborhoods. Residents will learn about toxins, determine sampling locations, learn how to perform sample collection, and chart data. They will use results to take action on advocating for contaminated soil clean-up.

Supporting and Amplifying the Wolverine Community Advisory Group

Kent County, MI

The Wolverine Community Advisory Group (CAG) is a volunteer group of community members affected by and concerned about the Wolverine World Wide contamination in northern Kent County. West Michigan Environmental Action Council will manage the Wolverine CAG website and social media. These communication platforms will keep the community informed on clean-up efforts, CAG meetings, state of MI updates, and other PFAS information.

Educating and Organizing Firefighters and Communities

Allegheny County, PA

Women for a Healthy Environment will work with firefighters, local and state governments, and residential communities to design a PFAS firefighting foam take-back and disposal program for Pennsylvania. They will also provide educational workshops and technical support for communities affected by PFAS in Allegheny County.

PFAS Community Organizing in Impacted West Michigan Communities

Oceana and Newaygo County, MI

Walkerville Thrives will host community events to inform Oceana and Newaygo County residents about PFAS contamination impacts on health and their environment, ways to reach out to lawmakers, and how to raise the community’s collective voice for action.

PFAS Outreach and Education Resources in Milwaukee River Basin

Milwaukee River Basin, WI

Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s project will develop outreach tools to introduce people to PFAS and how to take action on local water monitoring. A toolkit will be distributed at events across the region and shared with local decision-makers to incorporate into policy priorities. They will also develop a social media toolkit and include PFAS topics in their “Ask a Riverkeeper” video series video.

Incorporating PFAS in Youth Watershed Education in Flint

Flint River Watershed, MI

The Flint River Watershed Coalition’s project will expand PFAS awareness into youth education to encourage long-term involvement in environmental work. The project will incorporate PFAS topics into their GREEN youth watershed education curriculum to engage students in water quality sampling and monitoring.

PFAS and Farmland Educational Campaign

Minnesota

Clean Water Action Minnesota will create a farmer outreach and educational campaign on the impacts of PFAS on farmland. The campaign will bring awareness about PFAS contamination, and actions farmers can take to protect their land, water, and community. This work will help demonstrate the extent of PFAS contamination in rural areas to decision-makers and highlight the need for more protective policies.

Testing PFAS in Johnson Creek and tributaries of the Rouge River

Rouge River Watershed, MI

The Conservancy Initiative will test for PFAS in Johnson Creek and other tributaries of the Rouge River with suspected contamination. Through movie screenings or other events they will engage community members to increase public awareness and inspire interest and PFAS activism in the community.

Reporting Series Highlighting PFAS Impacts in Metro Detroit

Detroit, MI

Planet Detroit will create a series of articles documenting PFAS contamination in Detroit and the metro area to help Detroiters better understand their local PFAS exposure risks and how they can take steps to protect themselves. They will convene an online meeting with decision-makers and community members to speak and answer questions.

PFAS Testing and Education in Northern Michigan

Pellston, MI

Members of the GLPAN Community Action Team will host community engagement events and provide resources for community members to educate on health impacts of PFAS contamination. In addition, the Ecology Center will help community members do community-based water and soil testing in Pellston, MI.

Testing Surface Water Foam on Duck Lake

Whitehall, MI

In response to the frequency and amount of surface water foam increasing on Duck Lake the Duck Creek Watershed Assembly will test the foam to determine whether it’s caused by PFAS contamination. If the foam tests positive for PFAS informational meetings with local stakeholders will be held to help protect surrounding communities and develop an action plan.

Testing for PFAS in Wildlife and Compost

Brighton, MI

Grostic Farms was forced to cease operations when PFAS was found in the feed and cattle on the property. In partnership with the Ecology Center, Grostic Farms will test samples of wildlife and compost on the farm to determine if they have been contaminated by PFAS and if it is safe to consume wildlife hunted near the farm.