Meghan Hodges
Van Etten Lake is a 1,320-acre lake in Iosco County, Michigan. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and houses, and flows into the Au Sable River and Lake Huron. While it may look like any other lake, Van Etten Lake is contaminated with PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are harmful to human health. This contamination is believed to be a result of the use of PFAS foam during training exercises at the nearby Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Today, signs warn swimmers and hunters in the area to avoid foam and certain species of fish due to the presence of PFAS.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Iosco County, Michigan |
| Area | 1,320 acres (530 ha) |
| Depth | 33 feet (10 m) |
| Pollution | PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) |
| Source of Pollution | Firefighting foam used at the nearby Wurtsmith Air Force Base |
| Impact | Warnings for swimmers to avoid foam and advisories for hunters to not eat deer due to high levels of PFAS |
| Remedial Measures | Installation of groundwater treatment systems to block the flow of chemicals into the lake |
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What You'll Learn
PFAS contamination from firefighting foam
Van Etten Lake in Oscoda, Michigan, is contaminated with PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These harmful chemicals were introduced to the lake via firefighting foam used at the nearby Wurtsmith Air Force Base, a former home to America's fleet of B-52 bombers. PFAS-containing foams have been used in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) to fight liquid fuel fires since the 1970s.
The harmful effects of PFAS exposure are well-documented. A study of Los Angeles firefighters by Biomonitoring California found elevated levels of PFOS and other PFAS chemicals in their test subjects. PFAS chemicals are also linked to adverse health effects in the general population. For example, community activist Cathy Wusterbarth, who used to swim and work as a lifeguard in Van Etten Lake, believes that the breast cancer she developed at 28 was due to prolonged exposure to the contaminated lake water.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the dangers posed by PFAS-containing firefighting foams, and efforts are underway to find effective alternatives. The Department of Defense issued a new performance specification for firefighting foams in January 2023, and Air Force firefighters are transitioning to a new PFAS-free foam for fuel fires. Additionally, states like Washington have taken the initiative to restrict the use of PFAS-containing foams, banning their use in training exercises and requiring the disclosure of PFAS in firefighting gear.
The contamination of Van Etten Lake serves as a stark reminder of the environmental and health consequences of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. While steps are being taken to address the issue, the persistence of PFAS chemicals in the environment and the ongoing risk to human health underscore the urgency of finding effective solutions and alternatives to PFAS-containing foams.
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Warnings to swimmers and hunters
Swimmers and hunters should be aware that Van Etten Lake in Oscoda, Michigan, is contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These harmful chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, including breast cancer in one former lifeguard for the lake. While the contamination is believed to be a result of PFAS foam used in training exercises at the nearby Wurtsmith Air Force Base, the lake's foam and water continue to contain PFAS. The Michigan Department of Health has posted signs warning swimmers to avoid the foam, and residents have reported receiving advisories about PFAS in their drinking water.
Hunters in the area should also exercise caution. Signs along the shores of nearby Lake Huron warn against consuming deer meat due to potential PFAS contamination. With PFAS detected in the groundwater of Van Etten Lake, it is possible that wildlife and plant life in the area may be affected as well.
Swimmers should be vigilant about avoiding all foam in the lake and should consider avoiding swimming in the lake altogether, as prolonged exposure to the water may pose health risks. While the Air Force has committed to installing groundwater treatment systems to address the PFAS contamination, these are intended to be temporary solutions until more permanent measures can be implemented. In the meantime, swimmers and hunters should remain cautious and informed about the potential dangers associated with Van Etten Lake and its surrounding environment.
The presence of PFAS in Van Etten Lake is not an isolated incident. PFAS contamination has been detected in the drinking and groundwater supplies of 5,000 communities across the United States, putting over 60 million people at risk. This widespread issue underscores the importance of staying informed about local water quality and taking necessary precautions to safeguard your health.
In addition to the risks posed by PFAS contamination, swimmers and hunters should also be aware of general water safety practices and any other potential environmental hazards in the area. It is always advisable to check for updates and advisories from local authorities before engaging in water-based activities or consuming wild game. By being informed and cautious, swimmers and hunters can help ensure their safety and protect their health.
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The former Wurtsmith Airforce Base
Van Etten Lake in Oscoda, Michigan, is polluted with PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are harmful to human health. PFAS were first discovered at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in 2010, and the base is a known source of PFAS contamination in the area. The pollution is believed to be a result of the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam during training exercises at the base. The foam was used to coat the entire runway and has since washed up on the shores of Van Etten Lake, with suds still appearing along the lake's beaches decades later.
The Wurtsmith Air Force Base, located near Van Etten Lake, was once home to America's fleet of B-52 bombers during the Cold War. The base is no longer active, but the legacy of PFAS contamination persists. Residents of Oscoda were not informed of the contamination until six years after its discovery, and the area has since become known as "ground zero" for PFAS contamination in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health has posted signs warning swimmers to avoid the foam on Van Etten Lake as it "may" contain PFAS. However, it is clear that the lake does, in fact, contain these harmful substances.
The contamination has had significant impacts on the community in Oscoda. Community activist Cathy Wusterbarth, who used to swim and work as a lifeguard in Van Etten Lake, believes that the breast cancer she developed at 28 was a result of prolonged exposure to the contaminated foam. Wusterbarth's story highlights the very real health risks associated with PFAS exposure, and the failure to adequately protect the community from these risks. Wusterbarth reflects on the definition of "prolonged exposure" provided by the health department, which is defined as 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 3 months per year. She points out that these numbers align with a typical lifeguarding shift, underscoring the danger for individuals spending significant time in the lake.
In response to the PFAS contamination, the Air Force has committed to installing five new groundwater treatment systems to mitigate the flow of chemicals into Van Etten Lake. These systems are intended as a temporary solution while more permanent measures are developed. Tony Spaniola, a resident of Oscoda and co-founder of the Need Our Water community action group, has led a campaign calling for more aggressive action from the Pentagon to address PFAS contamination around military sites. While Spaniola acknowledges the efforts made, he emphasizes that much more needs to be done to address the issue effectively.
The former Wurtsmith Air Force Base has played a significant role in the PFAS contamination of Van Etten Lake, leading to widespread concerns about the health and environmental impacts of this pollution. The discovery of PFAS at the base brought national attention to the dangers of PFAS contamination, with over 200 known sites now identified across Michigan alone. The story of Van Etten Lake and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base highlights the ongoing struggle to address the legacy of environmental contamination and protect communities from the harmful effects of PFAS exposure.
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Groundwater treatment systems
Van Etten Lake in Michigan has been contaminated by PFAS chemicals, which were used in firefighting foam at the nearby Wurtsmith Air Force Base. PFAS contamination has been linked to an increased risk of liver damage, weakened immune systems, and cancer. The contamination has resulted in toxic foam washing up on the shores of the lake, prompting health warnings from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the installation of warning signs advising swimmers to avoid contact with the foam.
To address the groundwater pollution, several measures and treatment systems have been proposed and implemented:
- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) initially proposed collecting the toxic foam using a wet/dry vacuum and a small generator. However, this plan was deemed unworkable due to logistical challenges and the infeasibility of transporting the collected foam.
- Warning signs were posted by the MDHHS and DLZ, advising the public to avoid contact with the foam and to rinse off immediately if contact occurs.
- A wash station was installed at Van Etten Lake to allow swimmers to rinse off after exiting the water.
- The U.S. Air Force implemented stopgap cleanup systems to extract PFAS pollution, including high-volume extraction wells, to capture polluted groundwater entering the lake.
- The Air Force announced plans to install five new groundwater treatment systems to block the underground flow of chemicals into the lake while long-term solutions are developed.
- GAC (granular activated carbon) treatment has been proposed as a preferred method for interim remedial action, building on the success of the central treatment system (CTS) installed in 2018.
While these measures represent progress in mitigating the impact of PFAS contamination, community members and activists continue to push for more comprehensive and effective solutions, expressing concerns about the slow investigation and cleanup process.
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Environmental impact and community action
Van Etten Lake in Oscoda, Michigan, is known for its beautiful scenery and recreational activities. However, the lake has also become infamous for its environmental issues, mainly the contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS were first discovered on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in 2010, and the contamination has had a significant impact on the local community and environment.
The Wurtsmith Air Force Base, once home to America's B-52 bomber fleet, used firefighting foam during training exercises. This foam contained PFAS, which has been shown to have detrimental effects on human health. Despite the base being decommissioned, the contamination remains, with foamy suds still washing up on the shores of Van Etten Lake. The Michigan Department of Health has posted signs warning swimmers to avoid the foam, as it "may" contain PFAS.
The contamination has had a significant impact on the local community. Community activist Cathy Wusterbarth, a former lifeguard at the lake, believes that her breast cancer at a young age was caused by prolonged exposure to the contaminated water. Wusterbarth and other community members have expressed frustration at fighting against large institutions like the Department of Defense and the federal government. However, their efforts have not been in vain. The Air Force has pledged to install five new groundwater treatment systems to prevent the flow of chemicals into the lake while more permanent solutions are developed.
The Pentagon has also taken steps to address PFAS contamination at military installations. They have transitioned to using PFAS-free foam for firefighting training, recognising the impact of chemical contamination on water systems. Additionally, community activist groups like "Need Our Water" have emerged, advocating for more aggressive action from the Pentagon to address PFAS contamination around military sites.
The environmental impact of the PFAS contamination extends beyond Van Etten Lake. PFAS has been detected in the drinking and groundwater supplies of 5,000 communities across the United States, putting over 60 million Americans at risk. The contamination has also affected local wildlife, with advisories warning hunters in Oscoda not to eat deer due to high levels of PFAS chemicals. The impact of this contamination is still being understood, and the community's resilience and advocacy for change are crucial in addressing this environmental tragedy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Van Etten Lake is polluted with PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
PFAS are harmful chemicals that have been detected in drinking and groundwater supplies across all 50 states.
PFAS entered the lake via firefighting foam used at the nearby Wurtsmith Air Force Base during the Cold War.
The Air Force has stated that it will install five new groundwater treatment systems to block the underground flow of chemicals into the lake while long-term solutions are developed. Additionally, the military is transitioning to a new PFAS-free foam to combat fuel fires.
Yes, signs posted by the Michigan Department of Health warn swimmers to avoid foam in the lake as it "may" contain PFAS. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer.
