TONY SPANIOLA

PFAS Contaminated Site: Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Oscoda, MI

“It is absolutely essential to have impacted communities at the table when decisions are being made to address our water contamination issues”

Tony Spaniola is a leading national advocate for PFAS-impacted families and communities.  Tony learned in 2016 that his cottage in Oscoda is impacted by PFAS contamination from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, the first PFAS site in Michigan and the first U.S. military PFAS site in the world.  In response, Tony has worked to catalyze action on the local, state, and federal levels to address these harmful “forever chemicals.” Among his projects, Tony co-founded the Need Our Water (NOW) community action group in Oscoda; he co-founded and co-chairs the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network; and he serves on the Leadership Team of the National PFAS Contamination Coalition.

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

I co-founded the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network to provide a voice for PFAS-impacted communities and people across the Great Lakes region.  My community of Oscoda is the first publicly reported PFAS contamination site in Michigan, and we’ve learned there that the community must actively advocate for itself, and work with others across the region, to tackle the PFAS crisis.

How is GLPAN making an impact on PFAS contamination? 

GLPAN is bringing impacted people and communities together (1) to share knowledge, resources and experiences, and (2) to educate and inform decision makers on the need for urgent action to protect our families, friends and neighbors.  We have developed written resources for PFAS-impacted communities, along with our most valuable resource:  a network of impacted community members who are committed to this cause.  Our efforts have been recognized throughout the Great Lakes region and in Washington, D.C., including at the White House.

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

Do whatever you can to protect your family from PFAS contamination and exposures.  Ask questions, and don’t stop until you’ve gotten satisfactory answers.  You are your own best advocate, but always remember that you’re not alone.  Reach out to GLPAN.  Take advantage of GLPAN’s written resources, and talk with others in your community and the GLPAN family of communities.  We are all in this together!

Contact: Tony.GLPAN@gmail.com