ROBB KERR

PFAS Contaminated Site: Tribar Manufacturing, Huron River, Ann Arbor, MI

“Having grappled with PFAS contamination in my community of Ann Arbor, I joined the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network to set a new course for our state. We need leaders at all levels of government — local, state and federal — to solve this issue.”

Robb Kerr is a small business owner from Ann Arbor, MI with expertise in architecture and strategic space planning. After the Huron River became contaminated with PFAS, Robb became involved with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network as a community advocate. He is a member of the Wolfpack Executive Leadership Team and co-chair of the Wolfpack Clean Water Hunt Team.

Why did you become a Community Leader in the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network? 

When I found out our community is the recipient of a mix of PFAS chemicals in our drinking water, courtesy of a metal plating company up river from Ann Arbor, I was appalled. I knew nothing about PFAS at the time and I discovered that very few people knew what PFAS was. I could find technical science articles, but not much about how to help impacted communities. Then I met Tony and Sandy, both impacted community members. It was incredibly helpful to understand their stories and their challenges. While our situations are different, the goal is the same, we all want clean water. I decided I wanted to be a part of an organization that supported and lifted the voices of the impacted communities. GLPAN, for me, has been really great support and a sounding board.

How is GLPAN making an impact on PFAS contamination? 

Our biggest impact has been to support other communities. In the last 2 short years of GLPAN’s existence, we have communicated and helped 23 communities that have concerns about PFAS. We are building a really great diverse group who are all about supporting each other. GLPAN and its members are active in local, state and national legislation. We spoke up during public comment time when the State of Michigan was reviewing the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for 7 PFAS chemicals as it relates to safe drinking levels. The MCL’s were successfully reduced. GLPAN has participated in many national, state and local speaking engagements conveying the impacts of PFAS on our communities.

What would you tell someone who recently found out they have PFAS contamination in their community?  

I would encourage folks to get organized. Come together as a community and contact GLPAN to see if we can be of any help through information and or strategy. Our voices together have a bigger impact.

Contact: Robb.GLPAN@gmail.com