News Release
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI — The West Michigan Environmental Action Council will host a
public informational kickoff about PFAS issues in Muskegon County and the Safe Water for
Muskegon County PFAS Well Testing Pilot Project on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6 to
7:30 pm at Muskegon Community College.
The event will introduce a new pilot program designed to assist private well users in Egelston
Township, Muskegon Charter Township, and Moorland Township with PFAS screening.
Muskegon County currently has 19 identified PFAS sites. PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl
substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that persist in the environment and have been
linked to potential health risks. They have been used in industrial processes, firefighting foams,
metal plating operations, and the manufacture of stain resistant and water-resistant products. In
Muskegon County, contamination has been associated with historic industrial activity and waste
disposal practices. Information on the status of these sites will be presented at the meeting.
In designated state study areas surrounding known sites, the State of Michigan provides no cost
residential well screening. However, residents who live outside of those study boundaries and
rely on private wells are responsible for arranging and paying for their own testing. The Safe
Water for Muskegon County pilot was developed to help address that gap by providing limited
cost-assisted screening to qualifying households outside current state study areas. A total of 36
test kits will be distributed between December 2025 and December 2026.
The project is funded by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and coordinated by
Tanya Cabala of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council in partnership with Dr. Rick
Rediske. Cabala and Rediske co-coordinate the Muskegon County PFAS Task Force through
WMEAC, and this pilot builds on that ongoing work to strengthen communication,
collaboration, and public education around PFAS issues. The project is being carried out in
cooperation with leadership from Egelston Township, Muskegon Charter Township, and
Moorland Township.
No test kits will be distributed at the March 26 kickoff event. The meeting is informational and
will explain how the program works, outline eligibility criteria, describe how residents may
apply, and answer community questions.
“This pilot project is about protecting public health and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to
understanding what is in your drinking water,” said Cabala.
Rediske emphasized the importance of reliable information. “Testing provides clarity. When
residents have accurate information, they can make informed decisions about protecting their
households.”
At the March 26 event, attendees will learn:
- What PFAS are and why testing matters
- How the pilot program works
- Who is eligible
- How applicants will be selected
- The process going forward
Fact sheets and printed educational materials will be available at the event. The event is open to
the public.
Event Details
Thursday, March 26, 2026
6 to 7:30 pm
Muskegon Community College
1300 Stevenson Center (JCS)
For more information about the PFAS Public Informational Meeting and Safe Water for
Muskegon County PFAS Well Testing Pilot Project, contact Tanya Cabala at
tcabala@wmeac.org or (231) 798-5196
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