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The Huron River is a vital natural resource that has faced several environmental challenges and pollution threats in recent years. With a watershed spanning over 900 square miles and serving as the main water source for the city of Ann Arbor, the river's health is of utmost importance to the surrounding communities. One of the significant concerns has been the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the river, which has led to do not eat fish advisories and raised questions about the safety of drinking water. Microplastics pollution, primarily from synthetic clothes and textiles, is another issue facing the Huron River, with studies indicating that it has the highest level of microplastics among the 29 Great Lakes tributaries examined. Additionally, incidents such as the release of hexavalent chromium from a manufacturing facility in Wixom have temporarily suspended river recreation and sparked concerns about the river's safety. While investigations and research efforts are ongoing, the Huron River remains a critical focus for environmental protection and conservation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 104-mile or 125-mile waterway |
| Watershed | More than 900 square miles |
| Tributaries | Hundreds of tributary creeks and lakes |
| PFAS Contamination | PFAS compounds found in the Huron River and its watershed |
| Microplastics Pollution | Highest level of microplastics among 29 Great Lakes tributaries studied |
| Hexavalent Chromium Scare | No-contact order lifted as most chromium did not reach the river |
| Fish Consumption Advisories | Due to PFAS and PFOS contamination in fish |
| Recreational Activities | Safe for swimming, tubing, kayaking, and other similar activities |
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What You'll Learn
PFAS and PFOS contamination
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various consumer products since the 1950s. PFAS are found in water, air, soil, and food products worldwide, including fish and other food items in the food supply chain. PFAS are also present in common household products and are used in industrial processes. PFAS molecules have a strong carbon-fluorine bond, which makes these chemicals extremely persistent in the environment.
PFAS contamination in the Huron River has been a cause for concern. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) began intensive sampling on the Huron River due to the detection of PFAS in the river, which is the main source of drinking water for the city of Ann Arbor. The levels of PFOS, a specific type of PFAS, were found to be over the Rule 57 Water Quality Value (WQS) of 11 parts per trillion (ppt). PFOS is a known contaminant that bioaccumulates in the food web, and it was also detected in fish tissue in the Huron River.
The State of Michigan has established drinking water standards for seven PFAS chemicals, and all public drinking water in the Huron River watershed is compliant with these standards. However, private wells have mostly not been tested, and the state does not have authority over them. The EPA has also proposed new drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, after evaluating their health effects and finding them to be significantly more toxic than previously believed.
To address PFAS contamination, the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) PFAS Initiative has directed certain cities to evaluate potential sources of PFOS and PFOA that may be discharging into their sanitary sewers and potentially reaching the Huron River Watershed. Additionally, research groups are working on PFAS removal methods, such as granular activated carbon and ion exchange, to optimize PFAS management strategies.
PFAS contamination is a serious issue due to the potential health risks associated with exposure. Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to harmful health effects, including immune system suppression, increased risk of various cancers, harm to the cardiovascular system, and adverse birth outcomes. PFAS accumulation in the body can be reduced by consuming folate, and a high-fiber diet may decrease the metabolic disease risks associated with PFOS exposure.
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Hexavalent chromium spill
In August 2022, Tribar Manufacturing, an auto supplier, released several thousand gallons of liquid containing 5% hexavalent chromium into the Wixom sewer system, which eventually made its way into the Huron River. This is the second time the company has been responsible for a massive release of industrial contamination, with the first incident involving PFAS.
Hexavalent chromium, or hexchrome, is a carcinogenic chemical used in plastic finishing. It can cause several health problems through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation. The spill resulted in a "`no-contact` advisory" for the Huron River, with residents warned to avoid swimming, fishing, or having any contact with the water.
The incident has prompted calls for stricter Michigan pollution laws and for greater accountability for companies responsible for such spills. Environmentalists and river users urged lawmakers to strengthen environmental laws to prevent future spills and impose stiffer consequences on Tribar.
The state has shut down the Wixom plant and is assessing the contamination at the water treatment plant. Despite initial tests not detecting hexavalent chromium in the river, the "`no-contact` advisory" remains in effect while continued testing takes place.
The Huron River is a central artery of a watershed covering 900 square miles across southeast Michigan before flowing into Lake Erie. The river was already facing issues due to PFAS pollution, resulting in "do-not-eat" advisories for fish. The latest hexavalent chromium spill has caused further concern and anger among residents and environmentalists, who are seeking answers and pushing for stronger regulations to protect the environment and public health.
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Microplastics pollution
The Huron River has been found to have the highest levels of microplastics among 29 Great Lakes tributaries that were studied by the USGS. Synthetic microfibers, such as polyester and nylon, are the largest sources of microplastics in the Huron River. These microfibers are shed from clothing and textiles during the laundering process and are so tiny that they are not filtered out during the water treatment process.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic (less than 5 millimeters or 0.2 inches) that are mostly invisible to the naked eye. They are created when plastic items begin to break down and can infiltrate lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Scientists have found microplastics in oceans, lakes, rivers, and aquatic animals, indicating their prevalence in the environment.
The human health impacts of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, but research in this field is ongoing. Some potential risks include the impact on the immune system, increased risk of various cancers, harm to the cardiovascular system, and decreased birth weight.
To address the issue of microplastic pollution in the Huron River, the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) has implemented several initiatives. They have created a special net to capture microplastics and are working to identify areas of high concentration. HRWC has also developed the Catch the Plastic campaign to raise awareness and encourage local action. As part of this campaign, they have distributed Cora Balls and filters to households in Ann Arbor to help reduce the amount of microplastics entering the wastewater treatment system.
Additionally, HRWC recommends the use of washing machine filters, laundry devices that capture microfibers, and front-loading washing machines, which shed fewer fibers. They also suggest wearing clothes made with natural fibers or synthetic/cotton blends, which shed less, and washing synthetic clothing less frequently.
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Inadequate pollution laws
The Huron River has faced a number of pollution challenges in recent years, with PFAS contamination being a significant issue. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are commonly used in industrial processes and are found in many household products. They are highly toxic and have been linked to compromised immune system response, increased risk of cancer, harm to the cardiovascular system, and decreased birth weight.
The state's current practices also favor polluters, as they are notified of investigations well in advance of affected residents, allowing them to seek legal advice and potentially bias the remediation process. This highlights the need for stronger environmental protections and laws that hold polluters accountable, such as a "Toxics Tax".
In addition to PFAS contamination, the Huron River has also faced issues with hexavalent chromium pollution. In 2022, Tribar Manufacturing discharged wastewater containing hexavalent chromium into the Wixom Sewage Treatment Facility, resulting in a temporary suspension of river recreation. While subsequent tests indicated that most of the polluted wastewater never reached the river, the incident underscores the need for better regulation and enforcement to prevent such occurrences.
Microplastics pollution is another concern for the Huron River. A study by the USGS found that the Huron River had the highest level of microplastics among the 29 Great Lakes tributaries that were studied. These microplastics are not filtered out during the water treatment process and there is limited research on the potential health impacts of ingesting them.
Overall, the Huron River's pollution challenges highlight the urgent need for stronger and more comprehensive pollution laws in Michigan to protect the environment and public health.
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Corporate polluters
The Huron River, a vital natural resource, has faced several contamination threats and challenges over the years. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution is one major issue. PFAS are commonly used in industrial processes and are found in many household products. PFAS contamination in the Huron River was first indicated by signs pointing to high levels of PFAS in Ann Arbor's drinking water supply in 2016, with PFAS levels in the river at over 11 parts per trillion, the Rule 57 Water Quality Value (WQS).
PFAS pollution in the Huron River has been linked to corporate polluters, such as Tribar Manufacturing and Wixom-based automotive suppliers. In 2021, EGLE, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, received a report of a dam failure at the Washago Pond of the Regan Drain, which may have contributed to PFAS contamination in the river. In June 2021, EGLE issued a Violation Notice to Brose New Boston Inc. in response to an exceedance of water quality values.
In addition to PFAS pollution, the Huron River has also faced microplastics pollution, with fibres from synthetic clothes and textiles being washed into the river and contributing the most to local microplastics pollution. The USGS studied microplastics in 29 Great Lakes tributaries and found that the Huron River had the highest levels of microplastics.
While the river is currently considered safe for recreation, portions of the "Do Not Eat" fish advisory remain in effect due to PFAS contamination. The threat of hexavalent chromium contamination from a spill at Tribar Manufacturing in 2022 also temporarily suspended river recreation. However, further testing revealed that most of the polluted wastewater never reached the river, and it is now safe for human contact.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Huron River has been affected by pollution. PFAS and PFOS chemicals, microplastics, and hexavalent chromium have all been found in the river.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are commonly used in industrial processes and household products. PFAS pollution has been found in the Huron River and other watersheds across the US. PFAS are toxic chemicals that can compromise the immune system, increase the risk of cancer, harm the cardiovascular system, and cause other serious health issues.
The State of Michigan has established drinking water standards for seven PFAS chemicals and is working on cleanups. The EPA has also proposed new drinking water standards for PFAS. The Huron River Watershed Council is conducting research and providing updates to the public.
The Huron River has also faced issues with microplastics and hexavalent chromium pollution. In 2022, a spill of wastewater containing hexavalent chromium from Tribar Manufacturing affected the Wixom Sewage Treatment Facility, leading to a temporary suspension of river recreation. However, further testing revealed that most of the polluted wastewater did not reach the river, and it is now considered safe for recreation. The Huron River Watershed Council is also working to address microplastics pollution and raise awareness through campaigns like "Catch the Plastic."
