Learn about local PFAS sites, community concerns, and state-led cleanup efforts
Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon County PFAS Task Force will hold its third quarterly meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the GVSU-Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI), Multipurpose Room (upstairs). The meeting will also be accessible virtually via Zoom (link forthcoming).
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of man-made chemicals used in products like firefighting foam, food packaging, nonstick cookware, and water-resistant fabrics. Because they do not break down easily, PFAS have been called “forever chemicals.” They can contaminate drinking water and soil, build up in the human body, and have been linked to health risks, including certain cancers, immune system effects, and developmental issues.
The Task Force was established in early 2025 to bring together residents, municipalities, community organizations, and state agencies to better understand and respond to PFAS contamination across Muskegon County. With 18 known contaminated sites, PFAS remains a pressing environmental and public health concern for the region.
Agenda Highlights include:
- Welcome and introductions, with participants sharing PFAS-related questions and concerns from the community
- Education and information updates
- Updates on PFAS issues in Muskegon County
- Guest presentation and PFAS program updates from EGLE staff Peter VanHeest, Environmental Quality Analyst, and Karen Vorce, West Michigan RRD Supervisor
- Other business and planning for the next quarterly meeting
About the Task Force
The Muskegon County PFAS Task Force was founded by the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) and Dr. Rick Rediske, with support from a grant from Freshwater Future. The Muskegon County Environmental Coordinating Council (MCECC) is a partner in the effort.
The Task Force is co-coordinated by Tanya Cabala, Lakeshore Outreach Organizer for WMEAC, and Dr. Rick Rediske, retired Professor of Water Resources at Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute. Cabala and Rediske both played key roles in the cleanup and successful delisting of White Lake as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC), bringing decades of community advocacy and scientific expertise to the current PFAS effort.
“The people of Muskegon County deserve clean water and clear information,” said Tanya Cabala. “This Task Force was created to ensure residents, municipalities, and community groups have a voice in understanding PFAS and shaping local solutions.”
“PFAS contamination is complex, but not insurmountable,” said Dr. Rick Rediske. “By combining science, community input, and agency collaboration, we can move forward in a way that protects public health and our environment.”
The Task Force works to:
- Increase public engagement on PFAS issues
- Share science-based information with residents and local governments
- Support and coordinate community-level action and solutions
The meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend in person or virtually to stay informed and engaged in ongoing PFAS issues and solutions.
RSVP & Contact Information:
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by email, indicating whether they will participate in person or via Zoom.
For more information, please contact:
Tanya Cabala
Email: tcabala@wmeac.org
Phone: 231-798-5196
Stay connected to what’s happening in our area by visiting CatchMark Community.
