Michigan congressional leaders are pressuring the Department of Defense to speed up PFAS cleanup efforts, with two planned actions at Oscoda delayed for five more years.
Teresa Homsi reports for Interlochen Public Radio.
In short:
- Michigan representatives sent a letter urging the Department of Defense to outline a plan for cleaning contaminated military sites.
- Delays at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda mean PFAS chemicals will continue leaking into the Au Sable River for years.
- Community advocates continue pressing for faster cleanup, citing similar problems at military sites nationwide.
Key quote:
“We have to fight for virtually every inch of cleanup we get, and that fight continues.”
— Tony Spaniola, Oscoda homeowner
Why this matters:
PFAS, or "forever chemicals," have been linked to serious health problems. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can contaminate drinking water and harm ecosystems, making timely remediation critical for community safety and environmental health.
Related: Military bases struggle with pervasive PFAS contamination
