Fluoride Action Network

Michigan extends ‘Do Not Eat’ Fish Advisory for Huron River

Source: The Monroe News | August 31st, 2018
Location: United States, Michigan
Industry type: Perfluorinated chemicals

The health department says the alert is based on the most recent perfluorooctane sulfonate data from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

State of Michigan has issued a “Do Not Eat” Fish Advisory for the Huron River through Monroe, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

The original advisory was issued Aug. 4 by the Department of Health and Human Services, and extended Friday. The affected area now starts where N. Wixom Road crosses in Oakland County, downstream to the mouth of the Huron River as it enters Lake Erie in Wayne County.

The health department says the alert is based on the most recent perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) fish data from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

“Base Line Lake and Argo Pond fish fillet data, downsteam from Kent Lake, were found to have high PFOS levels. Additionally, high PFOS surface water levels were found upstream of Kent Lake,” state officials said.

“Touching the fish or water and swimming in these water bodies is not considered a health concern as PFAS do not move easily through the skin. An occasional swallow of river or lake water is also not considered a health concern,” the health department added.

In response, the City of Flat Rock has announced that signs have been posted at Huroc Park and its boat launch at the Huron River.

In addition to the Huron River itself, the advisory includes:

• Norton Creek (Oakland County).

• Hubbell Pond, also known as Mill Pond (Oakland County).

• Kent Lake (Oakland County).

• Ore Lake (Livingston County).

• Strawberry & Zukey Lake (Livingston County).

• Gallagher Lake (Livingston County).

• Loon Lake (Livingston County).

• Whitewood Lakes (Livingston County).

• Base Line & Portage Lakes (Livingston/Washtenaw County line).

• Barton Pond (Washtenaw County).

• Geddes Pond (Washtenaw County).

• Argo Pond (Washtenaw County).

• Ford Lake (Washtenaw County).

• Bellville Lake (Wayne County).

For current guidelines relating to PFAS fish contamination, visit Michigan.gov/pfasresponse.

For more information about the Eat Safe Fish guidelines, visit Michigan.gov/eatsafefish.

Online:

The Eat Safe Fish PDF brochure

*Original article online at https://www.monroenews.com/news/20180831/michigan-extends-do-not-eat-fish-advisory-for-huron-river