PFAS CONTAMINATION IN NORTHERN KENT COUNTY: HOW THE LEGACY USE OF SCOTCHGARD IMPACTED GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

The historic use of Scotchgard to waterproof footwear at the Wolverine Worldwide (WW) Tannery has resulted in the groundwater contamination of a 50 km² area in northern Kent County, Mi. WW began using Scotchgard in the late 1950s and it was discontinued by 3M in 2000. The contamination was discovered by a small group of concerned citizens in 2015 and PFAS site investigations did not begin until late 2017. Contamination source areas include the Tannery in Rockford, MI, two municipal landfills, and waste disposal sites operated by WW. Over 1,000 residential wells had to be replaced with public water , 800+ residential carbon filtration systems were installed, and the local water utility had to implement carbon treatment and shut down a well field. Groundwater plumes from WW sites have impacted 40 km of the Rogue River resulting in PFAS Fish Consumption Advisories, PFAS Foam Contact Advisories, and a large stretch of the lower watershed exceeding the water quality standard for PFOS. A groundwater treatment system is being designed for the Tannery and a cap is in the process of being installed at one of the disposal sites. A comprehensive Groundwater Surface Water Interface study is ongoing. The complex glacial geology of the site will be discussed in context with the legacy PFAS pollution and challenges associated with both hydrogeological studies and remedial design. Due to high exposure levels from the extensive legacy use and disposal, health studies directed by the Federal and State Agencies are ongoing. Currently, a Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) is actively reviewing and responding to site related issues and remediation plans. The role of the CAG in the remediation process will be discussed along with the future plans for the sites. The presentation also will focus on lessons learned that can be applied to other PFAS sites and future efforts to protect water resources.